Google Destination Insights: a remarkable increase in International search volume for Vietnam tourism

Graph 1. International search volume for airlines to Vietnam

Analytical data from Google Destination Insights shows that the number of international searches about Vietnam tourism is on an upward trend. It is considered as a positive sign for the Vietnam tourism industry, especially in the effort to revive Vietnam tourism and regain the industry growth momentum.

Accordingly, from the beginning of November 2021 until now, international search volume for Vietnam tourism (air and accommodation) tends to increase steadily. From the beginning of December 2021, the number of searches has surged significantly, particularly after the launching of a pilot plan to welcome international tourists to 5 localities: Phu Quoc (in Kien Giang), Khanh Hoa, Da Nang, Quang Nam and Quang Ninh after 2 years of Covid-19 time lapse.

In October 2021, the number of searches for airlines increased approximately 15% over the same period in 2020. However, earlier in December 2020, it soared by 167% over the same period, and by the end of December, it, again, went up by 282%

Whereas, the number of searches for accommodation at the beginning of December 2021 also started to leap (+31%), and at the end of December, in some points of time, reached over 67%, compared to the same period and remained at a high level at the beginning of 2022.

According to a report by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the pilot plan to welcome international tourists by the end of 2021, has welcomed about 3,500 arrivals with ‘vaccine passport’ under package tours. Giving a speech at the ceremony to welcome the first international tourists back to Phu Quoc on November 20th 2021, VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh indicated that this event is an important launch step, mark a step forward in an effort to revive Vietnam tourism industry, aiming to gradually open up and develop the economy in the new context.

In November 2021, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism officially implemented a promotion campaign called ‘Live Fully Vietnam’ in association with the national tourism brand identity: Vietnam Timeless Charm to attract international tourists to Vietnam, promote Vietnam tourism on website https://vietnam.travel/ and social networks of the VNAT with interesting and useful information along with lively pictures.

On December 16th 2021, Ministry of Health issued the Official dispatch 10688/BYT-MT 2021 on the prevention of Covid-19 pandemic for people entering Vietnam. Accordingly, from January 1st 2022, travellers are required to have a negative RT-PCR test 72 hours prior to boarding. Fully vaccinated international tourists with negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test results would only need to self-monitor their health at home or their places of accommodation for 03 days when they enter Vietnam. Two RT-PCR tests will be conducted on the first and third day of entry. If negative, entrants are still required to monitor their health for the next 11 days.

Graph 2. International search volume for accommodation to Vietnam

Coordinately, on January 3rd 2022, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh assigned the Ministries of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Health, Public Security, National Defence, Foreign Affairs, Transport, Information and Communications and the People’s Committees of 7 provinces and cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Dinh, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Quang Nam and Quang Ninh and other relevant agencies, based on their assigned functions, tasks and authorities to continue to take the initiative and implement a pilot programme to welcome international tourists to Vietnam with safety and efficiency assurance. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, according to its assigned functions, tasks and authorities, coordinates with ministries and sectors to study and adjust the temporary guidance on piloting to welcome international tourists to Vietnam to conform to current regulations.

Hereby favourable conditions for the Vietnam tourism industry to keep moving forward and expand to welcome international tourists in the upcoming time, regain its growth momentum, and aim to fully reopen.

Tourism Information Technology Center

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/