The country also saw a healthy 30% growth in tourist numbers for the January to March period with 4.2 million arrivals, reported Tuoi Tre News. Last year, the country received a record 12.9 million international visitors.
International visitor arrivals to Vietnam increased significantly in March, due largely to the influx of Chinese and South Korean holidaymakers.
More than 454,000 Chinese nationals visited Vietnam last month, up 52.6% compared to the same period last year, while arrivals from South Korea also leapt 67.4% to 273,000, according to the latest data from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
The country also saw a healthy 30% growth in tourist numbers for the January to March period with 4.2 million arrivals, reported Tuoi Tre News. Last year, the country received a record 12.9 million international visitors.
The easing of visa applications and additional direct flights have helped fuel the growth in tourist numbers.
Meanwhile, industry insiders are concerned that the upswing in Chinese arrivals may not deliver the corresponding financial benefits.
A large number of Chinese tourists have travelled to Vietnam on ultra-cheap tour packages, also known as ‘zero-dollar tours’ that have been bought at shops which evade taxes; this has promote a government crackdown.