Vietnam has welcomed almost 4.4 million visitors in the first eight months of 2012, a year-on-year increase of 9.4 percent, according to the General Statistics Office.

Most of the tourists came from the Republic of Korea, followed by Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and France.

During the period, Vietnam also saw a sharp drop in the number of American, Chinese, Australian and Cambodian visitors to the country.

The number of international visitors in August is estimated to be 525,292, up 6.5 percent against July but down 4.3 percent against the same period last year.

The 8-month figure has helped the country’s tourism sector meet 67.5 percent of its target to attract 6.5 million visitors in 2012.

Vietnam expects to welcome many more foreign visitors as important events are scheduled during the rest of the year.

Vietnam Airlines recently offered discounts up to 50 percent on international air routes to entice more foreigners to the country.