2007 was a successful year for the tourism sector as it fulfilled all its targets and achieved the relatively high growth rate of 17 percent over the 2006 figure.
The sector provided services for 23.4 million holiday-makers, including 4.2 million foreigners, up 600,000 against the 2006 figure. This was an impressive growth given the fact that the increased number of foreign tourists in previous years stood at 300,000 and never reached more than 500,000.
The quality and efficiency of Vietnam’s tourism services have improved remarkably in recent times as a result of the sharp increase in tourists with disposable incomes. Tourism is considered a key economic sector and makes up a valuable chunk of the national economy.
Tourism is listed among the five strongest hard currency earners after crude oil, garments and textiles, footwear and seafood and has a total export turnover of more than US$3 billion/year.
At a recent conference reviewing tourism in 2007, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh said that the sector aims to attract 5 million foreign tourists in 2008 and achieve its 2005-2010 target in 2009. However, what will the sector rely on in order to reach its targets?
Firstly, the target for 4-5 million foreign tourists per annum is much higher than it was set 10 years ago but much lower than Malaysia’s current target for 17 million. If last year saw an increase of 600,000 tourists, it would be possible to raise the figure to 800,000 by 2008 and 1 million by 2009.
Secondly, the target for tourism growth is not based on the number of arrivals but on the total annual revenue. Australia is a case in point as it is listed among the top-ten tourism earners. In Vietnam, the tourism sector could fetch US$800 from a foreign tourist and this figure could rise to US$1,000 or even higher in the future. Therefore, the sector’s turnover is likely to reach US$6-7 billion or much higher by 2010.
Thirdly, Vietnam is emerging as a safe and friendly destination for holidaymakers. Vietnam has further enhanced its position in the international arena after it became a full member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and successfully organised a number of international conferences and forums.
Vietnam’s deeper integration into the global economy and its rising position in the international arena are providing good opportunities for the whole economy to develop and the tourism sector should grasp to tap its potential.
Fourthly, despite the initial development period, the sector has made significant progress. There are now thousands of travel agents and 256 three-five star hotels. Foreign businesses, including famous hotel management groups, have invested in 235 tourism projects worth US$6 billion in Vietnam. Domestic investors have also had started big tourism projects. With a complete legal framework and experience in tourism promotion, it is high time the sector pushed ahead with its development plans.
Fifthly, the tourism sector must set higher targets and has to improve the efficiency of management. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) will direct development plans and investment to promote tourism products.
The region’s biggest tourism event will be held in Vietnam for the first time next year. The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), including the ASEAN and ASEAN + 3 Tourism Ministerial Meeting and the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) will be held under the management of the MoCST to discuss basic issues related to tourism development.
(CPV/VOV)