Tourists at Hồ Tràm Beach in Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province on April 28. — VNA/VNS Photo Huỳnh Sơn

BÀ RỊA-VŨNG TÀU — The southern coastal province of Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu received around 630,000 tourists during the five-day national holidays from April 27 to May 1, an increase of 25 per cent from last year, according to its Department of Tourism.

The number of foreign tourists was up 92 per cent at 29,000.

Hotels and resorts in the province reported occupancy rates of 80-95 per cent, Trần Thị Thu Hiền, deputy director of the department, said.

Tourism revenues are estimated at VNĐ670 billion (US$26.42 million), up 12 per cent from last year, she said.

A number of activities were organised during the holidays to attract tourists, she added.

Vũng Tàu City received 300,000 tourists, accounting for half the province’s visitors.

Hoàng Vũ Thảnh, chairman of the city People’s Committee, said tourists chose to visit beaches amid the continuing heatwave.

The city made efforts to ensure clean and safe tourist destinations and beaches, and security forces kept a close watch to ensure tourists’ safety and security, he said.

Nguyễn Quỳnh Lan Thi, a visitor from HCM City, said she chose Vũng Tàu City since it is close, its beaches are clean and there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and coffee shops to serve tourists. — VNS