Vietnam’s five-month tourism revenue drops 54% on pandemic

The country’s tourism sector suffered when the government temporarily suspended visa issuance for foreigners to prevent the spread of the virus while the domestic tourism market has not recovered due to the social distancing campaign applied months ago.

The number of international tourists to Vietnam during the Jan.-May period was reported at more than 3.73 million, down 48.8 percent compared to the same period last year.

May saw the lowest number of foreign arrivals, falling 13.6 percent monthly and 98.3 percent on-year.

Asian travelers that accounted for 72.9 percent came from main markets with a sharp fall, such as China (down 57.2 percent), the Republic of Korea (53.4 percent), Japan (48.2 percent), China’s Taiwan (46.1 percent), Thailand (41.5 percent), Malaysia (53.9 percent), GSO data says.

Notably, the number of Cambodian tourists increased 118.3 percent.

Although seeing a noticeable decline in number of visitors, experts believed that is a golden time for domestic tourists who have opportunities to enjoy high-class tourist services and attractions which were only for international visitors visiting Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Ha Long Bay, caves in Quang Binh at promotional prices as well as to create advantage for breakthroughs in the smokeless industry.

During the five-month period, turnover of accommodation and catering services was estimated at VND175.3 trillion ($7.5 billion), accounting for 9.2% of the total and down 25.8% over the same period last year.

► Vietnam to exempt visa to all foreign nationals to Phu Quoc from July 1

► Vietnam prepares to restore selected international flight routes

► Vietnam to issue e-visa to citizens from 80 countries since July