By Tobi/Arjun

Vietnam has emerged as a global tourism success story, with foreign tourist arrivals skyrocketing from 3.84 million in 2020 to 17.6 million in 2024. This remarkable growth has been driven by targeted investments in tourism infrastructure, cleanliness, cultural preservation, and tourist-friendly policies.
Here’s a look at Vietnam’s strategies and how India can adopt similar measures to boost its tourism sector.

1. Decade-Long Investment in Infrastructure
   Vietnam has made consistent investments in economical and hygienic accommodations, well-maintained roads, affordable transportation, and tourist-centric services. This ensures a seamless and pleasant experience for travelers.
2. Focus on Cleanliness
   Vietnam has transformed its image with stringent cleanliness initiatives like waste bin installation in tourist hotspots , organised street cleaning drives in tourist heavy zones . Result – Roads and public spaces, once littered, are now impeccably clean, enhancing the overall tourist experience.
3. Cultural-Centric Arrangements
   Vietnam has avoided excessive concretization at its tourist spots. Instead, it has integrated cultural aesthetics, such as lanterns and traditional decorations, creating an authentic and visually appealing environment.
4. Hygienic Street Food
   The country has strictly enforced hygiene standards for street food vendors. Modern equipment and tools ensure safe and clean food preparation, making Vietnam’s vibrant street food culture globally appealing.
5. Simplified Visa Policies
   In August 2023, Vietnam introduced a policy allowing visa-free entry for up to 45 days for visitors from select countries. This tourist-friendly initiative has significantly boosted foreign arrivals.
6. Strategic Promotions and Global Recognition
   Vietnam promoted itself aggressively on international platforms like CNN and partnered with private companies to showcase its tourism offerings. Additionally, international awards have further elevated its reputation as a top travel destination.
7. Night Tourism with Functional Streetlights
   Nearly all tourist destinations in Vietnam are equipped with well-maintained and working streetlights. This facilitates safe exploration of nightlife and night travel, adding to the convenience of tourists.

India’s Current Standing
India, with its rich cultural heritage and natural diversity, has vast untapped potential in tourism. However, with just 4.78 million foreign tourists recorded till August 2024, the country is far behind Vietnam.

What India Can Learn
Infrastructure Development: Build affordable accommodations, setting minimum Hygiene standards for Hotels as well as Homestays to be able to function , maintain roads, and improving public transport standard .

Cleanliness Initiatives: Launch strict anti-littering campaigns and dedicated staff for frequent cleanliness drives of tourist hotspot areas , installation of dustbins in every 100-300 m area .

Cultural Preservation & Asthetics : Incorporate local cultural aesthetics into tourist spots , Structures , Welcome gates , Bridges , Railings ,Temples of and avoid over Concretization while focusing on natural Asthetics

Food Hygiene: Enforce hygiene standards for street food vendors and providing subsidy to people in purchasing modern stalls with necessary equipments

Simplify Visas : Introduce tourist-friendly visa policies with extended visa-free stays for friendly and high income countries like Israel , Poland, Japan , US .

Promotion and Recognition: Taking recorded reviews/feedback of Foreign tourist experience in India and using it to Advertise India on global platforms .

The Way Forward
Vietnam’s exponential growth in tourism is a testament to the power of focused planning and execution. India has all the ingredients to become a global tourism leader but needs dedicated efforts and investment to unlock its full potential. With strategic investments and policies, India can transform its tourism sector into a major economic driver..