An overview of Nha Trang City in central coastal Khánh Hòa Province. Nha Trang is one of Việt Nam's most important tourist hubs thanks to its beautiful beaches with fine and clean sand and clear ocean water with mild temperatures all year round. VNA/VNS Photo Ngọc Hà

HÀ NỘI — As 2023 brings new opportunities for tourism development, the central coastal Khánh Hòa Province is looking to establish itself as a key tourism hub in the country.

The provincial Department of Tourism has announced plans to boost the province's tourism market and make the most of the coming year.

The provincial tourism industry saw a huge decrease in visitors due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the province was among the first localities to re-open for tourists and become a locality with the fastest tourism recovery in the country.

The province has since welcomed 2.5 million visitors, of which more than 155,540 were foreign visitors. Total revenue from tourism is estimated at over VNĐ10 billion, 170 per cent higher than planned.

The department’s director Nguyễn Thị Lệ Thanh, said this year, the tourism industry aims to attract 500,000 international visitors.

This number is quite modest compared to the industry’s goals before the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.

Thanh said the tourism industry had prepared special events and promotion programmes to attract tourists.

At the beginning of this year, the province launched special tour packages to welcome the return of international visitors during the New Year holiday; 120 foreign tourists from Incheon (South Korea) landed at Cam Ranh International Airport to start their tour in Khánh Hòa Province.

Local leaders and representatives from departments and sectors welcomed the passengers.

Hwichan Jang, a South Korean tourist, said it was the first time he and his family came to Việt Nam.

He was happy to be warmly welcomed with flowers and gifts.

“We hope to have a wonderful New Year holiday in Việt Nam,” he said.

Watersports are popular on Hòn Tằm Island, Nha Trang City. VNA/VNS Photo Hồng Đạt.

Khánh Hòa is also a popular destination for international tourists from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. On the first day of this year, 180 tourists from Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan landed at Cam Ranh International Airport.

This is a positive signal for Việt Nam to promote its image to the world and fully tap potential markets.

Alxeander Avery said travel agencies in his country highly recommend Việt Nam due to its beautiful scenery, hospitality, good weather and good food.

He carefully researched Việt Nam before arriving here.

"As my first time coming to Việt Nam, I’m expecting the trip will bring me experiences and understanding about the country,” he said.

The department's reports showed that the province received 355,200 tourists in the first three days of this year. The average room capacity reached over 63 per cent, mainly in four or five-star hotels along beaches in Cam Ranh City and Nha Trang City.

Thanh said special tour packages are the first activities to welcome back foreign visitors to Việt Nam this year.

The province will continue to welcome more international flights and diversify tourism products to lure international tourists in the coming time.

According to the provincial Party Committee's action programme, tourism is a spearhead economic sector in the 2021-25 period. The province targets to attract 11 million visitors, including five million international visitors, by 2025.

By 2030, the number of tourists will reach 15.4 million, of which more than eight million are international visitors.

Hòn Tằm Island has become a well-known tourist destination for its beautiful landscapes, clear blue water and good services. VNA/VNS Photo Hồng Đạt

Thanh said the department would continue to promote tourism activities by developing mechanisms and policies related to tourism, applying information technology and training local human resources for tourism development.

The tourism industry will cooperate with businesses to launch stimulus tour packages, which feature typical tourism products of the province.

Permanent Deputy Chairman of Nha Trang - Khánh Hòa Tourism Association Phạm Minh Nhựt said to attract international visitors, the province should give priority to developing tourism products and facilities.

Each tourist market has its own characteristics, so it is necessary to consider tourists' habits, spirituality, and cuisine to develop suitable products and services in the province, he added. – VNS