Travel

Increasing number of foreign arrivals in January creates impetus to fulfil yearly target

The number of foreign arrivals to Vietnam in the first month of 2024 reached over 1.5 million, the highest ever recorded for a month since the country fully reopened all tourism activities in March 2022, according to Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).
Increasing number of foreign arrivals in January creates impetus to fulfil yearly target ảnh 1The number of foreign arrivals to Vietnam in the first month of 2024 reached over 1.5 million (Photo: vietnamnet.vn)

Hanoi (VNA) – The number of foreign arrivals toVietnam in the first month of 2024 reached over 1.5 million, the highest everrecorded for a month since the country fully reopened all tourism activities inMarch 2022, according to Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

The figure represented an increase of 10.3% compared toprevious month and a 73.6% hike compared to the same period last year.

This is a positive signal for Vietnam's tourism industry,creating motivation for the sector to achieve the goals of receiving 17-18million international visitors, serving 110 million domestic tourists and earning about 840 trillion VND (34.3 billionUSD) in tourism revenue in 2024.

The Republic of Korea (RoK) remained the largest sourcemarket for Vietnam tourism in January with 417,576 visitors, accounting for27.6% of the total. It was followed by China andTaiwan (China). Meanwhile, UK, France, Germany and Russia sent the largest numbers of European tourists to Vietnam.

According to the VNAT, January witnessed remarkable growth inEuropean markets that enjoy unilateral visa exemption. It reflected the positiveimpact of a policy on extending the temporary stay period for citizens from countriesunilaterally exempted from visa from 15 to 45 days.

Vietnam had 25 destinations and establishments named in different categories of the ASEAN Tourism Awards at a ceremony held as part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024 in Laos on January 26.

They were honoured for six categories, namely ASEAN Green Hotel, ASEAN Clean Tourist City, ASEAN MICE Venue Award for Meeting Room, ASEAN MICE Venue Award for Exhibition Venue, ASEAN MICE Venue Award for Event Venue, and ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award for Gastronomy Tourism theme./.

VNA
#foreign arrivals #Vietnam National Authority of Tourism #Vietnam Plus #Vietnam News Agency #tourism industry #revenue
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Tourism gathers speed early in 2024

Tourism gathers speed early in 2024

A sudden surge in the number of overseas Vietnamese booking domestic tours and the recovery of international arrivals right since the start of 2024 are among positive signs promising a breakthrough year for the tourism industry.

See more

Ha Long Bay suspends visitors' access to Soi Sim beach. (Photo: VNA)

Ha Long Bay temporarily closes Soi Sim beach to visitors

The move comes shortly after Soi Sim beach became the only Vietnamese beach included in the 2026 Corona Beach 100, an annual global guide recognising the world's top 100 beaches, compiled by the US-based Corona organisation in collaboration with international tourism experts.

Phong Nha is best known for its dramatic limestone karsts, vast primary forests and spectacular cave systems within the UNESCO-recognised Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. (Photo: VNA)

Phong Nha named among top nature-connected wellness destinations

According to the Quang Tri provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Agoda recently unveiled Asia's Hidden Nature Retreats for 2026, featuring places that offer visitors opportunities to unwind, restore mental well-being and recharge amid tranquil natural surroundings.

Visitors explore Thung Nham Bird Park in Nam Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province. (Photo: VNA)

Green transition reshapes Ninh Binh’s tourism landscape

Ninh Binh’s green tourism efforts have gained increasing international recognition. In 2025, the Trang An Landscape Complex received Tripadvisor’s prestigious “Best of the Best” award, placing it among the top 1% of destinations worldwide. Tam Coc–Bich Dong and Bai Dinh Pagoda were also ranked among the world’s top 10% most popular destinations.

Sun Group officially introduces world-class tourism ecosystems, including Sun Paradise Land Phu Quoc, to the Korean market. (Photo: Sun Group)

Sun Group makes SITF 2026 debut with Phu Quoc flight promotions

For many years, the RoK has remained one of Vietnam’s largest international tourism markets. As travel demand between the two countries continues to grow strongly, Sun Group’s first participation at SITF is seen as a significant step in both the group’s international tourism promotion strategy and Vietnam’s broader efforts to attract global travelers.

Vietnam is emerging as a safe, green, friendly destination with a rich cultural identity (Photo: VNA)

Media plays pivotal role in promoting Vietnam’s tourism growth, global image

Vietnam aims to welcome 25 million international visitors and 150 million domestic travellers in 2026. Alongside the sector’s efforts, strong, responsible and innovative media engagement is expected to play a key role in helping the country achieve its tourism growth ambitions and enhance its position on the global tourism map.

Quan ho folk singers perform and interact with visitors aboard a boat. (Photo: VNA)

Story bank initiative aims to amplify Vietnam’s global profile

Under a newly issued plan by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the story bank will serve as a central repository of content to be disseminated across multimedia platforms, helping bring Vietnam’s culture, people and development achievements to audiences worldwide.

Tourist boats at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port in Ha Long. (Photo: VNA)

Quang Ninh hosts over 10 million visitors in five months

For the remainder of the year, Quang Ninh province plans to host a series of major events as it works to fulfil its target of welcoming 22 million visitors, including 5.2 million foreigners, and generating 65 trillion VND in tourism revenue.

Da Nang honours outstanding travel firms with the “MICE – The Rising Wave” award in recognition of their contributions to attracting MICE visitors to the city. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang strengthens position as leading MICE destination

Da Nang has continued to promote MICE tourism through support policies and destination marketing initiatives. In 2026, it expanded its MICE promotion programme under the theme “Da Nang – Elevating the MICE Tourism Experience”, offering broader incentives for domestic and international visitors.

Kiss Bridge in Phu Quoc special zone, An Giang province. (Photo: VNA)

RoK media spotlights Phu Quoc’s rise as global tourism destination

According to the Korean media, Phu Quoc is not just a beautiful beach. It is a place where tropical nature, modern entertainment experiences, romantic moments, and a sense of healing converge. An island where people come not only to travel but also to feel happiness with all their senses.