Vietnam is likely to attract 17-18 million foreign tourists this year, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the Vietnam News Agency has reported.

To achieve the target, the tourism sector will boost promotion and marketing activities during the fourth quarter with a particular focus on the Indian market, known for high-spending tourists, the ministry said at a press briefing held on October 3.

In the first eight months, Vietnam welcomed over 11.4 international visitors, soaring 45.8% compared to the same period last year. Of which, there were 312,000 Indian visitors, up 263% year-on-year, placing India eighth among Vietnam’s top 10 sources of international tourists, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

The eight-month tourism revenue was estimated at VND586.1 trillion ($23.67 billion).

A representative from the VNAT said Vietnam served more than 1.4 million foreign tourists in August alone, up 17% compared to the same period of 2019 before the outbreak of the Covid-19. Additionally, the fourth quarter is also considered a “gold” period for Vietnam to attract foreign visitors. Accordingly, it is possible for the country to fulfill the annual target of 17-18 million foreign holiday makers.

In the fourth quarter, the ministry is set to implement plans and measures to accelerate the recovery and sustainable development of the sector. Upcoming events include the 2024 Vietnam tourism awards ceremony, a national food festival in Dien Bien province, a Vietnamese tourism booth at the World Travel Market London in the UK, and a Vietnam-Taiwan (China) tourism cooperation conference.