The last day of 2015 is for us an opportunity to have a look back at major tourism events that made the tourism year in Vietnam. Some important institutional changes occurred; we developed new destinations and re-invented other ones. Generally speaking, 2015 was a great year and we are looking forward to have at least as much fun and pioneering ideas in 2016.

Have a great New Year’s Eve everyone, and we wish you all the best for the coming adventure.

Vietnam made 2015 the Year of the Opening

In 2015, Vietnam governance took some decisions and initiated others to start an ambitious project of opening wider the doors of the country to foreign visitors. A new visa exemption for citizens of France, Germany, UK, Spain and Italy was created. The visa stamp fee for others was reduced. And the idea of delivering 1-year visa exemption to American citizens was launched. For more information about the visa exemption, please see our related article.

Another innovation from tourism authorities this year was the realization of a destination promotional clip. Like Malaysia has been doing successfully for a while, Vietnam realized it was about time to modernized the communication about the country and start building a real travel identity for Vietnam. It is only the beginning, but the first step has been taken.

It seems that some things have been understood in the higher spheres of the government. We see here a real chance to hope for more; and ignite the rise of a steady and sustainable growth in a tourism sector that remains uncertain so far.

We drew the new lines of Handspan’s travel orientations

Handspan is approaching differently its travel offer. 2015 was the ignition year but the change will operate over the coming few years.

First, exit all the classic tours. Even on popular destinations, Handspan reinvented its offer to come up with original tours and different travel solutions. In the Mekong, in Hue, in Hoi An and more recently in Ninh Binh, all new Handspan tours are thought, designed and operated to provide fresh and fun travel experience that no other company can offer. This may be harder to perceive by simply reading a tour program but try it and we guarantee you will be impress by what you will live. See for example our travel revolution in Hue.

And second is the commitment we decided to have to all people traveling with kids. Our team of young parents understands the needs for specific equipment, slowed pace, safety and stability families are looking for when traveling. We started offering tours entirely dedicated to people traveling with kids. Some hands-on travel solutions thought and operated to make the perfect holiday for both children and parents. Check out our latest family adventure here.

We will do the necessary to make 2016 a year rich in exciting adventures and travel innovations. We are very thankful to the people following us and talking us around. We would like to wish you sincerely all the very best for the coming year.

Catch you again in 2016!