Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas will be the world’s largest cruise ship when it goes into operation next January. The 365-meter, 250,800-ton ship will also be 20-stories tall. Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told CNN the Icon of the Seas will embark on its maiden voyage …
Read More »Chinese tourists face jail time for stepping on Thai coral reefs
Three Chinese divers accused of touching a starfish and stepping on coral reefs during a diving tour in Thailand’s Phuket could face two years in jail and a fine of 100,000 baht ($3,000) each. Two of them confessed to their crime after turning themselves in to the police while another …
Read More »Japan urges citizens to travel to Vietnam, other places to revive tourism
The Japan Tourism Agency and the Japan Association of Travel Agents have called on their countrymen to travel to 24 countries and regions, including Vietnam, to help revive tourism. The other places are mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, India, Canada, the U.S., …
Read More »Vietnam welcomes over 5.5 million international visitors in six months
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism on Wednesday announced that the country welcomed over 5.57 million foreign tourists in the first six months of 2023. The number of domestic tourists during the period was estimated at 64 million. Total revenue from tourists was estimated at VND343.1 trillion (US$14.6 billion). In …
Read More »Hanoi, HCMC make huge leap in ranking of most searched summer cities
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were among the 15 biggest climbers in a global ranking of most searched cities this summer, according to travel data company ForwardKeys. Hanoi rose 41 places to 76th while HCMC jumped 30 places to 52nd in the ranking of 100 most popular city destinations …
Read More »Thick noodle lobster soup delights customers in Quy Nhon
Experience the fusion of lobster and thick noodle soup from Nguyen Hoang Vu in the central beach town Quy Nhon, priced at around $7 a serving. Thick noodle lobster soup delights customers in Quy Nhon Thick noodle lobster soup delights customers in Quy Nhon
Read More »Indonesia considers increasing visa-on-arrival fee in Bali
The Indonesian government is discussing the increase of the visa-on-arrival fee in Bali as it seeks to improve the quality of tourism. Indonesia’s Minster for Tourism and Creative Economies Sandiaga Uno confirmed that discussion about increasing the fee were ongoing. “Any changes to the rate would be on par with …
Read More »Vietnam’s increasing appeal to Korean tourists
Korean tourists are becoming increasingly drawn to Vietnam because they can find a sense of familiarity and comfort in the country. More Korean tourists are choosing Vietnam over Thailand, their favorite destination prior to the pandemic, said Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern. In the first five months of this year, South …
Read More »Industry insiders expect e-visa extension to lure more foreign tourists to Vietnam
The number of foreign visitors to Vietnam is predicted to see an increase following the extension of tourist e-visas from 30 to 90 days from August 15, according to insiders. It is part of the amendments and aupplements to a number of articles of the Law on the Exit and …
Read More »Vietnam sees 5-fold rise in foreign air passengers
The number of foreigners passing through Vietnam’s 22 airports quintupled in the first half of the year to 14.4 million amid signs of recovery by the aviation industry. The lifting of Covid travel restrictions in major markets such as South Korea, Taiwan and Japan is helping foster a recovery in …
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