A train from Sa Pa town, Lao Cai province to Fanxipang (photo: traveloffpath.com)

America’s travel news website “Travel Off Path” says Vietnam is a new tourism hotspot in Asia and will become one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. It identifies three reasons for Vietnam being the new tourism hotspot in Asia which include Vietnam’s more open visa policy, its well-preserved natural beauty, and reasonable prices of services. The duration of e-visas to enter Vietnam as a tourist has been extended from 30 to 90 days. Citizens from 80 countries, including the US, are now eligible to enter using Vietnam’s e-visa.

According to “Travel Off Path”, Vietnam is an emerging tourist destination and much of its natural beauty spots are still incredibly well preserved. To the north of Vietnam, tourists can explore a rugged mountainous region. In central and southern Vietnam, there are incredibly beautiful beaches. It praises Vietnam’s huge coastline stretching an incredible 3,260 kilometers and its energetic cities. The countryside everywhere is lush and green. The Vietnamese government has managed to preserve the great beauty of their cultural heritage sites.

Last week, “DW News” of Germany ran an article about Vietnam’s tourism, saying Vietnam has fast become one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, as tourists enjoy the country’s diverse landscapes, beaches, mountainous rice terraces, and bustling cities.

Bobby Nguyen, chairman of Rustic Hospitality Group, a tour agency, told DW News that the use of social media and the influence of large travel groups have also helped boost Vietnam’s international popularity. He said, “Having many online communication channels such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok as well as promotions on Google and other networking channels is also the fastest way to promote Vietnam’s image to the world”.

Gary Bowerman, a tourism analyst based in Kuala Lumpur, said that a lot of younger people now want to learn a bit more about Vietnam. It is the country where people want to invest, where they want to do business, and where they want to travel.

DW News wrote that for travel companies in Vietnam, the new visa policy and the prospect of more international arrivals are exciting. “Fuse Hostels & Travel” told DW News that in the last three months a substantial uptick in the number of international guests stayed in their hostels, adding that bookings are back to the 2019 levels.

Vietnam aims to receive 8 million visitors this year but the figure is likely to rise to 10 million.