Vietnam is expected to become a transit point for international visitors to North Korea, said Ha Van Sieu, head of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. illustrative image According to Sieu, the North Korean tourism agency would come to Hanoi in March to discuss tourism co-operation. They will discuss the probability to make Vietnam another transit point to North Korea besides China and this will become more feasible if Vietnam has a direct flight route to North Korea. A North Korean delegation will attend Vietnam International Travel Mart which will be held in Hanoi from March 27 to 30 to promote their country and tour packages. Tourists can currently book tours to North Korean with Chinese companies. They can travel by car, train or fly from Beijing to Pyongyang. HCM City Department of Tourism said several local firms in HCM City had organised tours to North Korea but they also had to co-operate with Chinese companies. If Vietnam becomes a transit point to North Korea … [Read more...] about Vietnam tourism eyes North Korea opportunities
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Vietnam PM approves plan to restructure tourism sector
The Hanoitimes - The plan aims to optimize the advantages in tourism products, market and resources as well as management systems, thus improving the sector’s economic, social and environmental efficiency. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved a plan to restructure Vietnam's tourism industry to turn it into a spearhead economic sector for the country. PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved the plan to restructure the tourism sector. Photo: Hanoimoi.com.vn In addition, the plan also aims to promote the country and people of Vietnam, making Vietnam one of the leading destinations in Southeast Asia for visitors. The plan sets a target of US$45 billion in tourism revenue by 2025, with exports through tourism reaching US$27 billion. The tourism sector is hoped to contribute over 10% to GDP and create six million jobs, including two million direct jobs. In addition, it is expected to receive 32 million inbound holidaymakers and over 130 million visits by Vietnamese … [Read more...] about Vietnam PM approves plan to restructure tourism sector
Da Nang to attend Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific in China
A delegation of the Da Nang Tourism Department will attend Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific, scheduled to take place from October 23-25 in Shanghai, China, to introduce the city’s cruise tourism. A cruise ships docks at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang. (Photo: Da Nang Port) Within the framework of the event, the city’s tourism leaders plan to work with Costa Cruises, Genting Cruise Lines, Shanghai China Youth Travel Services and Shanghai Jingjiang in order to establish partnerships with the cruise lines and cruise travel agents. Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific is expected to see the attendance of more than 1,000 guests, from 34 countries, in the field of cruise ships as well as 193 representatives from over 20 cruise lines. Vietnam’s Indochina Unique Tourist will attend the conference with a booth introducing the port of Da Nang and cruise tour packages. Indochina Unique Tourist Director Nguyen Son Thuy stated that Da Nang has great potential for cruise tourism development, … [Read more...] about Da Nang to attend Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific in China
Vietnam gov’t requests handling of illegal Chinese-issued POS payment
The Hanoitimes - The use of illegal foreign electronic wallets is considered a form of tax evasion, causing losses to the state budget. Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has requested government agencies and provinces to deal with illegal Chinese-issued points of sale (POS) payments at Vietnam's tourist attractions, local media reported. Illustrative photo. Under Hue's instruction, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) are responsible to review international practices and finalize legal framework for tax management, focusing on online payment in Vietnam. Additionally, Hue ordered measures in place to manage payments through POS, electronic wallets such as WeChat Pay, AliPay commonly used by Chinese tourists. The Deputy PM requested the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) to work with local authorities in checking tourism companies on a frequent basis, especially with those offering cheap tour packages. … [Read more...] about Vietnam gov’t requests handling of illegal Chinese-issued POS payment
Aviation fare hikes in Vietnam leave tour agencies scrambling to adapt
By Vy An  April 5, 2018 | 10:27 am GMT+7 An airplane of Vietjet Air is seen before a flight at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo by Reuters/Kham Agencies were only informed of the new prices 11 days before they took effect. The cost of traveling by air on several Vietnamese carriers rose at the start of this month, leaving tour agencies in a quandary. The cost of children's tickets on national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has gone up 20 percent, and budget operator Vietjet Air has announced it has raised fees for changing names, dates and seats on flight tickets. The changes have left tour agencies scrambling to make ends meet, considering how flight tickets account for 50 to 60 percent of tour prices. Le Cong Nang, head of communications for Vietrantour, said his firm is still trying to adjust prices after only receiving word of the new fares on March 20, just 11 days before the actual changes took effect. “For tours that were … [Read more...] about Aviation fare hikes in Vietnam leave tour agencies scrambling to adapt