Vietnam Anticipates 8.5 Million International Visitors In 2016
A conference of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) was held in Hanoi last January 15th, 2016 to discuss the situation of the tourism industry in 2015 and 2016. Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, General Director of VNAT, said Vietnam tourism sector had faced many challenges in the past year and had experienced a prolonged drawback during mid-2014 to mid-2015. The downward trend is said to be affected by the economic difficulties in the region and around the world.
However, the number has bounced back remarkably during the last half of 2015, which resulted in the total number of foreign tourists to the country in 2015 to 7.9 million, growing slightly 0.9 percent in comparison to 2014. The domestic market also saw positive growth with 57 million travelers in 2015, earning the highest record of 337.8 trillion VND (15.4 billion USD).
In 2016, Vietnam tourism will expect a notable record of 8.5 million international visitors and 60 million domestic travelers, earning a total 370 trillion VND (16.8 billion USD) in revenue.
On the occasion, the Guide to Vietnam Tourism Occupational Standards (VTOS) – 2013 document, was handed over to the Vietnam Administration of Tourism by the European Union (EU). The VTOS – 2013 version covers six major occupations: front office operation, housekeeping operations, food and beverage service, food preparation, travel and tour operations, and tour guiding.
