The survey was conducted by the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) and Valise Inc. in January and February 2021 with the participation of Japanese females who had travelled overseas at least once in 2019. About 90% of the surveyed females are in the age groups of 20-29 and 30-39.

Fried spring rolls, a typical Vietnamese dish.

At a press release to announce the survey’s outcomes in Tokyo on June 22, Yui Hiramatsu, Manager of the Marketing Solution Department from Valise Inc., said 24% of the respondents said they choose Vietnam for its delicious food; 17 percent for its cities/towns/streets they want to visit; 15 percent for its tourist spots, and 12 percent for inexpensive cost.

Food is what differentiates Vietnam from other countries, she said, adding that none of the respondents answered, “I don’t really have an impression” on the nation.

Only 1 percent of the surveyed people said they have never considered going to Vietnam or Cambodia, while the percentages for Laos and Myanmar were 16% and 18%, respectively.

The survey also showed a number of shortcomings of Vietnamese tourism to such group, including high travel costs and a lack of information on local transportation.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, the number of Japanese people traveling abroad surpassed 20 million for the first time in 2019, with women aged 20-29 topping the list in terms of both age and gender.

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Source: NDO/VNA