The General Statistics Office (GSO) has reported that the number of foreign tourists to visit Vietnam reached 1.51 million in the first three months of 2011, a year on year increase of 12%.

In March alone, Vietnam welcomed more than 475,700 foreign tourists, an increase of 5% compared to the same period last year.

Countries and territories recording the largest tourist arrivals to Vietnam in the first three months of 2011 include China, Korea, Japan, America, Taiwan (China), Australia, Cambodia, France, Malaysia and England.

The number of Japanese coming to Vietnam decreased only marginally despite effects of the earthquake disaster.

The number of Japanese visiting Vietnam reached 43,500 in March, decreasing 8% against February 2011, but increasing 10% compared to March 2010.

During the first quarter of 2011, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed around 900,000 foreign visitors, an increase of 6% compared to the same period last year.

In 2011, the local tourism sector has set a target of welcoming nearly 5.3 million foreign tourists and providing services to more than 30 million domestic tourists.

Source: SGGP