Vietnam tourism 'growing faster than Thailand, Japan'

Vietnam's tourism is assessed to be growing faster than some Asian countries, but to be sustainable, it needs to remove visa barriers and open more flight routes.

According to Agoda booking app CEO Omri Morgenshtern, Vietnam's tourism growth rate in the first five months of the year ranked third among other countries in Asia, after Thailand and Japan. Compared to the same period before the pandemic, Vietnam rose two places in the rankings (growth rate is based on the increase in international, domestic and foreign tourists).

International visitors to Hoi An in early May. Photo: Dac Thanh

Currently, South Korea is the largest international tourist market to Thailand, followed by Malaysia and China (before the pandemic, the Chinese tourist market was the largest). However, the Korean tourist market is also increasingly flocking to Vietnam. According to Morgenshtern, the number of Korean companies opening in Vietnam over the past two decades has increased, helping Koreans know more about Vietnam. "The more investment and business are promoted, the tourism industry is also promoted," said the CEO of Agoda.

Morgenshtern also pointed out that the number of Chinese bookings in Thailand after the country reopened its borders in January reached nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels. However, the following months saw a flat number as Chinese tourists faced visa issues and airlines limited flights.

In 2022, Thailand will welcome more than 11 million international visitors, exceeding its previous target. The country's current mission is to develop sustainable tourism. Morgenshtern said Thailand has always been a great holiday destination, but it will be difficult to create more reasons to attract visitors.

Morgenshtern also appreciates Japan. "Japan is very versatile. People come to Thailand for the weather, the beaches, the parties, but Japan has Disneyland, the cities, and business trips combined with tourism."

Anh Minh (According to Nikkei Asia )

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