VIETNAM: China Leads Arrivals But Australians Lead In Spending

AUSTRALIANS are the top spenders in Vietnam's growing tourism market, each outlaying more than $2200 a trip, according to an official report.

IN its first annual assessment of its $US15 billion ($A20.85 billion) tourism industry, Vietnam's National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) reported 7.9 million international tourist arrivals in 2014.

Australians accounted for 321,089 arrivals - the ninth largest in a market led by China (1.95 million visitors) and South Korea (847,958).

But Chinese visitors on average stayed less than a week with average spending of just $US790 ($A1,098) a trip.

Australians each spent $US1,677 ($A2,331) per trip, followed by Germany ($US1,367) and the United Kingdom ($US1,348).

The annual tourism report, sponsored by the European Union, compared Vietnam with Thailand and Malaysia, and called for improvements to Vietnam's tourism service and air transport infrastructure to match its regional rivals.

Vietnam's Tourism Minister Hoang Tuan Anh told the National Assembly on Tuesday the tourism industry had recovered, buoyed by increased foreign tourism arrivals in recent months.

Vietnam's tourism industry has been pressing the government to further ease visa requirements to boost the outlook.

Earlier this year the country amended its visa requirements for travellers coming from the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Australians still require a visa but the government is expected to grant visa-free access for Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians for a 15-day period starting from July 1, 2016.