Tourism news roundup: Hanoi’s tourism boom on first half of 2024, plus other news

For PropertyGuru’s tourism news roundup, the number of tourists to Hanoi in the first six months of this year is expected to reach 14.05 million. In more news, the Indochina T-Junction, also known as the tri-border marker, where the boundaries of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos converge, is an important monument that has gained attention from tourists. Hong Kong’s redevelopment body announced a series of free “citywalk” tours in Central and Sheung Wan to showcase Hong Kong’s history and vibrance.

Vietnam’s Hanoi to welcome about 14 million tourists in six months

The number of tourists to Hanoi in the first six months of this year is expected to reach 14.05 million, an increase of 13.7 percent compared to the same period in 2023, the municipal Department of Tourism reported in VietnamPlus.

Of the figure, the number of international arrivals is forecast to hit 3.14 million, a surge of 52.6 percent year-on-year; meanwhile, domestic tourists are estimated at 10.3 million, up 6 percent.

Total revenue from tourism in the period is approximately at nearly VND55.4 trillion (USD2.2 billion), a YoY expansion of 22.8 percent.

Tourism potential and challenges on the way to Ratanakkiri’s Dragon’s Tail

The Indochina T-Junction, also known as the tri-border marker, where the boundaries of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos converge, is an important monument that has gained attention from tourists.

The area, popularly known as the Dragon’s Tail by Cambodians, sits atop a mountain peak and is celebrated for symbolising the friendship and cooperation among the three nations. This unique location attracts visitors interested in geopolitics, history and adventure travel. The proximity to multiple ethnicities makes it a fascinating destination for cultural enthusiasts.

Photos of Vietnamese visiting the landmark, widely shared on social media, have highlighted the allure of this remote destination. However, they have also sparked frustration among Cambodian locals, who lament their inability to access the landmark due to challenging road conditions, according to Phnom Penh Post.

Nget Pitou, director of the Ratanakkiri Provincial Department of Tourism, acknowledged the difficulties faced by travellers attempting to reach the monument from the Cambodian side, especially during the rainy season. “Traveling from Cambodia to the Dragon’s Tail is difficult, particularly due to the mountainous terrain and the potential for [vehicles] to get stuck,” said Pitou.

Hong Kong’s redevelopment body to hold free ‘citywalk’ tours to showcase the city’s history and vibrance

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA), the city’s redevelopment body, has announced a series of free “citywalk” tours in Central and Sheung Wan to showcase Hong Kong’s history and vibrance.

The body will hold 40 guided tours in October catering to over 500 local residents or tourists, URA’s managing director Wai Chi-sing said on 2nd June.

These tours will highlight the URA’s redevelopment projects as well as historic spots, shops and street art in Central and Sheung Wan, Wai said in HKFP.

Citywalk, a style of tourism that promotes exploring the city on foot and taking photos, has become popular especially among mainland Chinese tourists in the post-pandemic era.

“While conducting urban renewal projects, the URA not only strives to improve people’s living conditions and quality, but to bring vibrance to old communities with different approaches, to strengthen connections among different stakeholders and enhance a community’s uniqueness… thereby boosting the district’s economy and support the development of tourism,” Wai wrote in Chinese.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].