Vietnam is among the "top searches" for Australian travelers
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam, Ho Anh Phong, believes that Australia is a promising market for Vietnamese tourism. In 2023, Australia ranked ninth among Vietnam's largest tourism markets.
During the first two months of 2024, Vietnam welcomed 97,500 visitors from Australia, accounting for 25 percent of the total arrivals from Australia in 2023. The country has now become one of the six largest inbound markets, following South Korea, China, Taiwan, the United States, and Japan, as reported by vietnamnet.vn.
"In 2023, Vietnam's tourism sector saw significant recovery, with 12.6 million foreign visitors. While Australian travelers accounted for only 3 percent of the total, they are an important demographic known for longer stays and higher spending," stated Phong.
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Andrew Goledzinowski, noted that tourism cooperation between the two countries is flourishing, especially since they elevated their relationship to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership and established numerous direct air routes.
Darrell Wade, CEO of Intrepid Travel, mentioned that the number of international travelers the company brought to Vietnam in 2023 exceeded the figures from 2019. He highlighted Vietnam's diverse experiences, prompting Intrepid to introduce new cultural and culinary tours alongside adventure tours. Wade also praised the reasonable costs associated with visiting Vietnam.
Vietnam continues to be a preferred destination for Australians in 2024. Although the number of Australian travelers going abroad remains 14% lower than in 2019, the number of Australians visiting Vietnam reached 390,000 in 2023, surpassing the 383,000 recorded in 2019.
According to Skyscanner, in November 2023, Ho Chi Minh City ranked among the top 10 most searched destinations for Australian travelers, experiencing a 2.5-fold increase compared to the previous year.
Australian travel companies expressed hope for further improvement in the quality of Vietnamese tourism services and the development of sustainable tourism practices. They also proposed the cancellation of visa requirements for Australian travelers.
Vietnam's attractions, including Halong Bay, highland landscapes, beach resorts, national parks, rich history, and vibrant urban life, continue to draw visitors to the country.