Every year, the Vietnam domestic tourism sector has a target of attracting 5.5 million foreign visitors into its place. And this year, it will once again reach its annual goal as the tourism sector is predicted to grow more than 10 percent. This statement is according to the Viet Nam Society of Travel Agents Chairman Vu The Binh. Based on official records from the General Statistics Office, 2.5 million foreigners had already visited Vietnam in just 5 months this year, a year-on-year18 percent increase. This figure represented 47% of the annual target. Data further shows that almost 1.5 million foreign visitors came to Vietnam for a holiday, an increase of 10.2% over the same period last year. 418,900 visitors arrived for business
purposes, a figure which meant a 0.8% down, but offset by people coming in to visit family and relatives, totaling to 442,400 visitors or an increase of 81.4% visitors to Vietnam.

China, South Korea and Japan are seen as the most favorite tourist destinations for foreigners into Vietnam. Data revealed almost 547,00 visitors were from mainland China, a 49.6% increase. South Korean visitors reached a figure of 222,400 or an increase of 2.5%, while Japan received 204,200 visitors, up 12.8%. Last year, Vietnam received a new record of 5.05 million foreign tourists into its country, a huge, year-on-year 34.3% increase.

United States, Cambodia, Taiwan, Malaysia, France, and Australia also welcomed an increasing number of foreign tourists into their country during this 5-month period. Sea and cultural discovery tours were the attracting factors to lure these visitors. And since many places now are being recognized as cultural heritage, this attracts even more tourists into these areas.