Headlines of tourist news on April 9: Sa Pa among the most beautiful cities on the planet.

Sa Pa is among the most beautiful cities in the world. The international magazine Condé Nast Traveller has recently included Sa Pa (Lao Cai) in its list of the 53 most beautiful cities on the planet. Known for its majestic natural beauty, vast terraced rice fields, impressive waterfalls, and beautiful hiking trails, Sa Pa attracts tourists from all over the world. The unique cultural spaces of ethnic minority communities further enhance the country’s appeal, showcasing Vietnam’s strength as a tourist destination on the global tourism map.

Mui Ne is among the top 10 trendiest global destinations for 2026. Booking.com announced its list on April 8, which included Mui Ne (in Binh Thuan province). With its turquoise sea, radiant sun, and endless sand dunes, Mui Ne is considered an ideal destination for international tourists. Its presence alongside renowned cities like Bilbao (Spain), Philadelphia (USA), and Guangzhou (China) reflects the strong appeal of Vietnamese coastal tourism.

The United States is showing interest in Vietnam’s potential for medical tourism. Discussions held on the morning of April 8 in Hanoi between representatives from the US embassy and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism focused on tourism development policies, market trends, and cooperation prospects. The American side particularly emphasizes medical tourism and healthcare services as a sector with great potential. Vietnam’s reasonable costs, increasingly high-quality services, and professional workforce position the country as an attractive destination for American tourists seeking relaxation and well-being.

In the field of experiential tourism, Vietnam Photo Tours stands out for its uniqueness. Designed by photographer Tran Tuan Viet, these photo tours are tailored to seasons, light conditions, and local cultural specificities, allowing tourists to explore and create artistic works while experiencing emotional adventures across Vietnam.

Technological advancements are reshaping modern travel in the era of digitalization. Augmented reality applications, autonomous vehicles, and interactive experience models make travel more immersive, transforming travel habits and offering new perspectives for cultural exploration. This trend, known as Tourism 4.0, is inevitable and contributes to strengthening the sustainability of the tourism industry.

The fluctuation in global fuel prices has led airlines to reduce flights to manage costs. Rising kerosene prices due to conflicts in the Middle East are affecting the aviation sector internationally, impacting international travel directly. This issue highlights the urgent need for flexible adjustments to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism.

The extension of the 30-day visa exemption policy for tourists visiting Phu Quoc has boosted the region, but experts suggest expanding the policy across the Mekong Delta region to further attract international tourists to unique locales like An Giang. This strategic move requires flexible adjustments to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese tourism.