Tourism industry looks to new record

VGP – Thanks to promising signs sent back from its expanded markets, Viet Nam’s tourism industry is looking forward receiving over 7.2 million foreign guests in 2013 to outnumber the record high it made last year (around 6.85 million).

July 31, 2013 5:47 PM GMT+7

The General Statistics Office (GSO) reported that foreign arrivals to the country increased fairly in the first seven months of the year.

In the first half, an average of 590,000 foreign visitors arrived in Viet Nam a month. In July alone, Viet Nam welcomed 658,300 foreign travelers.

The foreign visitors are expected to contribute US$ 7.6 million to the non-smoking industry’s revenue this year as each is forecast to spend at around US$ 1,057 during his/her stay.

Those coming for vacation made up the largest proportion of foreign arrivals, with 61.3%% and made the highest growth rate (up 41.5% in July and 9.3% in the first seven months). The figure is forecast to outstrip the record level of 4.5 million set last year.

Business guests ranked second by occupying 16.7% of the market share (up 19.7% in July and 4.3% in January-July) and are expected to touch 1.3 million by the year end.

The number of people coming to visit relatives and for other purposes (studying and medical treatment) accounted for 16.7% and 5.3%, respectively./.

By Kim Anh