Japan wants to promote the Vietnamese tourist market to increase both "quantity" and "quality".

Mr. Yoshida Kenji - Chief Representative of JNTO in Vietnam, stated that Japan's tourism sector aims not only at the number of visitors but also promotes to increase the spending of international visitors.

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Mr. Yoshida Kenji - Chief Representative of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) in Vietnam. Photo: Provided by the character.

Vietnam is identified as one of Japan's 24 key markets, with visitor numbers reaching 439,600 from January to the end of September - an increase of over 39% compared to the same period in 2022.

Mr. Yoshida Kenji - Chief Representative of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) in Vietnam discussed with Lao Động about the development orientation of Japan's tourism industry as well as plans to promote international markets, including Vietnam.

Vietnam is one of the markets showing impressive growth in Japan's tourism sector, and it is predicted that the number of visitors will exceed the target of 500,000 set by JNTO for 2023. What do you think about this recovery?

- On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, many events are being held in both Vietnam and Japan, including high-level dialogues between the two governments as well as exchanges among private enterprises that are actively taking place, which helps Japan become closer and more familiar to the Vietnamese people than ever before. We believe that this has contributed to an increase in Vietnamese visitors to Japan. This is an extremely encouraging result.

Have you noticed any changes in the habits, psychology, or spending of Vietnamese tourists visiting Japan post-COVID-19?

- According to the survey results conducted by JNTO, there haven't been many significant changes post-COVID-19; the popular attractions from before remain top favorites today, such as beautiful nature (cherry blossoms and autumn leaves), cuisine, and shopping. However, we have observed an increase in visitors interested in local areas outside of Tokyo, Osaka, etc. JNTO hopes to continue to convey to more Vietnamese people the attractions of Japan's local regions.

How has Japan's tourism promotion strategy changed post-COVID-19 amid the global tourism industry's impact from economic difficulties, political instability, and fierce competition among worldwide destinations?

- The surrounding environment of the tourism industry has changed significantly due to the influence of the global economy as well as the post-COVID-19 period. In this context, the new tourism policy set by the Japanese government has established our motto that not only targets visitor numbers but also promotes the increase of tourists' spending during their stay in Japan, as well as attracting visitors to explore various localities in Japan.

Therefore, in the promotional activities conducted by JNTO Vietnam, we have begun to enhance communication regarding luxury tourism, adventure tourism, and local tours. For example, we are increasing posts about local areas on the official Facebook page Feeling Japan, or planning to organize a seminar for travel companies on the topic of "Luxury Tourism" in January 2024.

Starting from November 1, the Japanese representative offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will begin issuing e-visas for Vietnamese citizens participating in packaged tours through designated travel companies (or other authorized agents). What is your assessment of this policy?

- It may take some time for travel companies and tourists to adapt to this new policy, but electronic visas are also a global trend, so I welcome this change.

View attachment 757 The couple Dong Nhi - Mr. Cao Thang and their little daughter Winnie are tourism ambassadors spreading love, introducing culture and prominent destinations to Vietnamese tourists. Photo: Archive
What activities does JNTO in Vietnam plan to organize from now until the end of the year, especially to attract visitors during the autumn-winter travel season and the upcoming cherry blossom season?

- Along with the announcement of a new video featuring the images of “Nhi Thang Family” - tourism ambassadors in the promotional campaign celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, we will promote Japan tourism by participating in exhibitions at B2C events like the “Hokkaido Festival in Ha Long” to be held in Quang Ninh Province in November. At the same time, we will regularly update the latest information on Japan tourism on the official website Travel Japan.

Thank you for your insights!

Source: https://dulich.laodong.vn/tin-tuc/n...h-viet-tang-ca-ve-luong-lan-chat-1261608.html