With an annual 25% growth rate, Vietnam is one of the ten countries having the fastest-growing tourism industry, VnExpress cited Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien as saying on October 31 at the 14th session of the National Assembly. 
Some notable tourism sites in Vietnam. Photo: Itourvn.com
|
In the first ten months of 2019, Vietnam received 14.5 million foreign visitors, up 13% year-on-year while the corresponding growth rates in the world and the Southeast Asian region were just 4% and 5%, respectively.
The competitiveness of Vietnam's tourism continues improving as the country is ranked 63rd among 140 countries and territories in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2019, jumping up 12 places compared to the latest 2017 ranking.
However, Minister Thien also acknowledged that Vietnam still copes with some shortcomings and problems that hinder the development of the tourism industry, especially in the quality and diversity of tourism products.
He proposed Vietnam spend more on tourism promotion programs as the sector in Vietnam consumes just VND54 billion (US$2.5 million) while that of Thailand is around US$80 million. Besides, tourism procedures to Vietnam should be simplified to create enabling conditions for visitors to travel as well as promote connectivity and socialization in infrastructure and service investments for tourism.
Over the past four years, the number of hospitality and lodging facilities has increased thanks to the participation of the private sector. Hundreds of direct flights to tourism attractions have been launched thanks to the joining of several new air carriers in the market.
