Hanoi: Foreign arrivals have been on track for a full recovery since Vietnam opened its border two years ago on the back of a favourable visa policy, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh said at the National Assembly’s Q and A session on March 18.
The tourism sector has seen robust growth from the European market, he said, elaborating markets with sound recovery in 2023 included Spain (91%), Germany (88%), the UK (80%), and France (75%).
According to Khanh, in the first two months of this year, the number of tourist arrivals from the UK surged 32.6%, France 34.6%, Germany 37.1%, Spain 48.5%, and Italy 82.3% year-on-year. Under the unilateral visa exemption that took effect on August 15, 2023, all tourists from these markets have had their visa-free stay in Vietnam extended to 45 from 15 days.
Vietnam now waives visas for travelers from 25 countries, with 13 enjoying unilaterally exemption. Most recently, the Prime Minister directed competent authorities to study and
recommend favourable policies on immigration, expansion of unilateral visa exemptions, and pilot grant of visa at border gates, he said.
Voter Le Cong Nang, CEO at WonderTour, proposed the Government expand unilateral visa exemption for citizens from countries with a higher level of economic development, especially western countries, as well as offer short-term free visa for markets with large source of tourists like China and India.
He described the expansion of visa waiver as an invitation for foreigners, helping lure more international tourists to Vietnam, adding travel firms have benefited a lot from the policy rolled out new offerings to visitors.
The sector is expecting a full recovery this year and reach the levels in 2019 – the time before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, aiming to welcome 18 million international visitors, 110 domestic travelers, and gain 840 trillion VND (33.96 billion USD) in tourism revenue./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency
The Royal Thai Navy explains the incident on the HTMS Chonburi, where a gun fired and hit the HTMS Khirirat. The bullet stuck in the barrel during training. Import for maintenance But a technical error occurred. Recently ordered to move Commander of the Royal Navy Chonburi Assisting the navy patrolling the bay
At the Fleet Commissioning Club, Admiral Chatchai Thongsa-at, Commander of the Fleet, together with Rear Admiral Chalermchai Suankaew, Commander of the Gulf Patrol Fleet, Capt. Piyasak Nilnimit, Deputy Director of the Ordnance Repair Center. jointly issued a statement explaining the cause of the cannon on the HTMS Chonburi ship bursting into flames and hitting the HTMS Khirirat ship. While docked at Laem Thian Port Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi Province, said that from the preliminary investigation, the cause was found to be from a 76-millimeter projectile from the HTMS Chonburi. which malfunctioned and became stuck in the gun while training at sea on March 13.
After that, the HTMS Chonburi took basi
c precautions against danger. before sailing into the pier for the gun technician to come and solve the problem But there was a loud noise while making corrections. causing damage to the HTMS Khirirat ship Fourteen people were injured, most due to smoke suffocation. All the injured were taken to Queen Sirikit Hospital. Naval Medical Department Immediately after the incident and closely monitor the condition of the injured At present, all soldiers are in safe condition, 10 soldiers can return home and another 4 are being monitored.
Rear Admiral Chalermchai Suankaew, Commander of the Bay Patrol Fleet, revealed that while the HTMS Chonburi was out practicing bombing exercises in the bay front. The gun was found to be jammed 2 times but was able to be repaired. Until there was another problem, the ship was brought to dock at Laem Thian Port. to make corrections At that time the gun was turned. By setting the gun angle at 45 degrees for safety. Later, the level was lowered 5 degrees for maintenance. But there was
a disruption due to technical problems. Causing the bullet to fall onto the HTMS Khirirat ship at the rear of the ship. Caused damage to 4 rooms.
However, in this incident, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy ordered a committee to urgently investigate the facts. By reporting the results within 3 days, the facts have already been reported. However, it must be accepted that the HTMS Chonburi is a royal ship that has been in service for many decades. Therefore, some problems may occur. But when a problem arises The ship’s commander cannot deny responsibility. Most recently, an order to move was signed. Commander of the Royal Navy Chonburi Came to be stationed at the Gulf Patrol Fleet Headquarters temporarily I assure you that this kind of problem will not happen again. Because this case is considered an important lesson for the Royal Thai Navy.
Source: Thai News Agency