The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has suggested that visa exemptions be applied for short-term visits by citizens from major source markets to boost inbound tourism.

It made the suggestion at a national teleconference on November 15 to discuss the rapid and sustainable development of Vietnam’s tourism sector.

The Ministry also proposed expanding the unilateral visa exemption policy for citizens from developed countries with the potential for huge spending, such as Australia, Canada, the US, and members of the EU, and to consider the issuance of e-visas to foreign tourists at ports of entry on a trial basis.

It is also necessary to carry out tourism promotion activities, particularly in source markets such as Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Western Europe, North America, Australia, India, and the Middle East.

Vietnam attracted nearly 10 million international tourists in the first ten months of this year.

It has set a target of welcoming 35 million foreign visitors by 2025 and 50 million by 2030.