HÀ NỘI — Tourism is a bright spot in Việt Nam's economic panorama in the first half of 2024 with revenue from accommodation and food services estimated at VNĐ356.4 trillion (US$14 billion), a year-on-year increase of 15.2 per cent.

Golden Bridge - an attractive destination in Đà Nẵng. Photo Sun World Ba Na Hills)

Recent statistics show that in the period, the service sector grew by 6.64 per cent, and contributed 49.76 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

According to unofficial data, around 15 localities have reported tourism revenue of more than VNĐ10 trillion each, six higher than the figure recorded in the same period last year.

HCM City ranked first in terms of revenue, with an estimation of VNĐ92.6 trillion, up 14.6 per cent year-on-year, and equal to 48.8 per cent of the 2024 plan. The increase was attributed to the city’s efforts to organise tourism and cultural events to attract both domestic and foreign visitors.

It was followed by Hà Nội, with VNĐ55.3 trillion, which represented a year-on-year surge of 22.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, the central provinces of Bình Định and Khánh Hòa saw the most impressive growth rates.

According to the Bình Định provincial Tourism Department, in the period, the locality served 5.6 million tourists and earned around VNĐ15 trillion, up 106 per cent and 96.9 per cent year-on-year, respectively.

Nearly 5.2 million tourists stayed overnight in Khánh Hòa in January-June, up 88 per cent against the same period last year. Of the total, nearly 2.4 million are foreigners, a 3.2 fold increase. Its total revenue from tourism was estimated at over 26 trillion VND, up 97 per cent.

Việt Nam targets 17-18 million foreign tourists and 110 million domestic ones, and about VNĐ840 trillion from tourism this year.

These goals are reachable, as Việt Nam's international tourism peak season from October to April will be an opportunity for the sector to accelerate its growth and make a breakthrough.

Various provinces and cities have introduced their new and impressive products, such as cruise tourism in the northern province of Quảng Ninh and the central city of Đà Nẵng, and night tours in Hanoi.

As for the trend of traveling by car, conglomerate Vingroup’s establishment of its FGF - For Green Future Trading and Services Joint Stock Company, specialising in trading and leasing electric cars, is expected to help promote domestic tourism, especially in localities such as Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng, HCM City, and Thừa Thiên-Huế. — VNA/VNS