HÀ NỘI – The number of international visitors to Việt Nam in the first half of 2024 surpassed that in the same period of 2019, with those from India rocketing 312 per cent from the pre-pandemic level.

International tourists visit Hà Nội's Old Quarter. VNA/VNS Photo

Indian holidaymakers coming to Việt Nam have increased relatively fast over the last five years. While the annual growth stood at 26.7 per cent during 2015 - 2019, the number topped 392,000 in 2023, marking a 231 per cent surge compared to 2019, reported the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Direct flights between Việt Nam and India have helped reduce travel time for passengers, enhancing connectivity between the two countries.

Indian tourists are increasingly fond of travelling to Việt Nam, which boasts a safe tourism environment, beautiful landscapes, diverse products, people's hospitality, and delicious cuisine. In addition to tourism, Indians are also ready to spend big on booking entire 5-star hotels in coastal destinations such as Quảng Ninh, Đà Nẵng, and Phú Quốc for weddings.

Đinh Đức Quang from travel company Nikatour Mũi Né in Phan Thiết city, Bình Thuận province, said India is indeed a highly potential but also demanding market, especially in terms of culinary and religious considerations. Therefore, travel agencies should pay attention to tailoring their products to the needs of different groups of Indian visitors such as those booking tours, rich and urban families, solo and female travellers, and high-end tourists.

Statistics from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) show that Indians spent US$21.3 billion on travelling abroad in 2018, and the figure increased 9.8 per cent in 2019. The spending is forecast to reach US$45 billion by 2025 and about US$91 billion by 2030.

Surveys indicate that Indian tourists enjoy exploring new destinations. They love shopping, participating in outdoor activities, and visiting museums, cultural sites, and historical landmarks.

Given this, India is seen as a promising tourism market that Việt Nam should tap into in the time to come to attract more international visitors. VNA/VNS