Travel

Tourism sector drives national economic growth

The country welcomed about 1.5 million foreign visitors in September — down 9.6% from August but 19.5% higher year-on-year. Total international arrivals surpassed 15.4 million in the first nine months, up 21.5% from 2024, with 84.5% arriving by air.

Total international arrivals in Vietnam surpass 15.4 million in the first nine months, up 21.5% from 2024. (Photo: VNA)
Total international arrivals in Vietnam surpass 15.4 million in the first nine months, up 21.5% from 2024. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Tourism remains a standout performer in Vietnam’s economy, acting as a major growth driver in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2025, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance.

Thanks to a favourable visa policy and effective promotion, the number of tourists has risen significantly.

The country welcomed about 1.5 million foreign visitors in September — down 9.6% from August but 19.5% higher year-on-year. Total international arrivals surpassed 15.4 million in the first nine months, up 21.5% from 2024, with 84.5% arriving by air. China and the Republic of Korea continued as Vietnam’s largest source markets, accounting for nearly half of all foreign visitors. China posted 3.9 million arrivals, up 43.9%, followed by the Republic of Korea with 3.2 million, while India climbed to the sixth place with growth of 42.9%. European markets also strengthened, particularly Russia with a surge of 173%, France (22.6%), the UK (21.7%), and Germany (17.5%).

Tourism revenue reached an estimated 69.6 trillion VND (2.64 billion USD) in the first nine months, up 20.5%, led by strong performances in Ho Chi Minh City (24.3%), Hanoi (21.9%), Quang Ninh (20.2%) and Da Nang (13.2%).

Accommodation and restaurant services generated 624.4 trillion VND, a year-on-year increase of 14.8%, while other services rose 12.1% to 534.1 trillion VND.

Foreign tourists on their way to Mua Cave in Ninh Binh province (Photo: VNA)

Foreign tourists on their way to Mua Cave in Ninh Binh province (Photo: VNA)

Industry experts anticipate further gains in the final quarter, buoyed by peak-season travel and festive events.

Vietravel reported a 125% increase in international tourists' bookings for year-end holidays, with strong growth from China, India, Europe, and English-speaking countries.

Saigontourist noted a 25% rise in European travellers' bookings for long tours to Vietnam and is developing luxury products combining heritage, islands, and modern destinations. Meanwhile, BestPrice Travel saw 130% growth over 2024, projecting 150% by year’s end, with tourists now diversifying into leisure, adventure, cultural and wellness travel.

Vietnam ranks seventh globally in Google Destination Insights for travel interest, up 10–25% since early 2025. The UN World Tourism Organisation also named Vietnam the world’s fastest-growing international tourism market in the first half of the year, with a 21% rise.

According to Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association Vu The Binh, the association will host 300–400 representatives from major source markets to develop customised tour products. Long-term strategies include boosting digital marketing and strengthening cooperation with international travel firms through familiarisation trips to showcase Vietnam’s attractions and sustain growth, he underlined./.

VNA
#Vietnam tourism #visa policy #foreign tourists #Vietnam's visa exemption
Follow VietnamPlus

Post-pandemic recovery

Related News

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung (left) presents a gift to Beka Jakeli, Chief of External Relations at UN Tourism. (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam, UN Tourism work to advance practical, effective partnership

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung expressed appreciation for UN Tourism’s close coordination in organising the International Conference on Rural Tourism. He reiterated Vietnam’s view that “strong villages and communes make a strong, prosperous, and resilient nation,”. He also noted the country’s ambition to build rural tourism brands, including Best Tourism Villages recognised by UN Tourism, in line with global trends in green and responsible tourism.

For many travellers, the train is not only a new journey of discovery but also a “train of information,” where pressing socio-economic issues are vividly reflected through each article. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi’s ‘Five Gates’ Train combines tourism with official news experience

Over 1,000 issues from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) were carefully prepared and distributed free to passengers. Highlights included the Vietnam and World Economy fortnightly, Sports & Culture newspaper, Tin Tuc (News), Viet Nam News, and Le Courrier du Vietnam. Available in Vietnamese, English, and French, the publications cater to both domestic and international travellers, turning the train into a moving hub of current affairs and cultural insight.

Foreign tourists experience making lanterns at the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam complex in Hanoi. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Visa waiver policy accelerates tourism growth

The difference comes from travel convenience, with visas being the first barrier that should be removed. Easier entry encourages longer stays and higher spending, creating greater economic value than visa fees.

See more

Tourists at the Hue Imperial Citadel (Photo: VNA)

Tourist arrivals in Hue surge, further growth expected

During the period, the city has welcomed more than 1.9 million visitors, up 31.3% year-on-year. Of the total, international arrivals exceeded 843,000, rising 26.7%, while domestic visitors reached over 1.05 million, up 35.2% compared with the same period last year.

Deputy Director of Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Thi Hoai An speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang launches 2026 tourism stimulus, MICE promotion programmes

The city targets welcoming around 19.1 million visitors in 2026, including 8.7 million international arrivals. It expects that synchronised stimulus and promotion efforts will enhance visitor experience, add value, and foster sustainable tourism development

Vietnam saw a 22% rise in tourist numbers last year – and is showing no signs of wanting the growth to slow (Photo: telegraph.co.uk)

Vietnam praised as a welcoming destination for global travellers

From the otherworldly Ha Long Bay with its sprinkling of column-like islands, to the delicious cacophony of Ho Chi Minh City’s food markets, Vietnam is too often overlooked in favour of its larger neighbour Thailand, despite offering more competitive prices.

Foreign tourists excited by Ha Giang travel experiences. (Photo: VNA)

Ha Giang, Hoi An gain global spotlight in Time Out’s 2026 rankings

If Ha Giang represents the beauty of space, Hoi An embodies the beauty of time. Ha Giang evokes both geological grandeur and human stories while the ancient town stands out not only for its distinctive visual charm but also for its vibrant living environment and its rare ability to preserve a natural connection between heritage and contemporary life.

Dien Tho Palace (within the Complex of Hue Monuments) serves as the residence of the Empress Dowagers and Grand Empress Dowagers during this period. It is one of the distinctive architectural structures that has remained almost intact to the present day. (Photo: VNA)

Hue awakens heritage through community strength

The city is now shifting its development strategy to focus on the community, empowering local residents to become true guardians of heritage by preserving, creating, and directly enjoying the benefits of their cultural legacy.

Korean tourists on Ho Chi Minh City's book street (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese destinations attracting Korean visitors amid “micro-trip” trend

Last year, Vietnam welcomed more than 4.3 million Korean visitors out of a total of nearly 29.6 million Koreans traveling abroad. This volume significantly outpaces Korean arrivals to neighbouring competitors like Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, cementing Vietnam’s status as a premier regional hub for East Asian tourism.

Ha Long Bay, located in northeast Vietnam, is beloved for its blue waters and spread of limestone islands - all occupied by tropical trees and wildlife. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam named among world’s 28 most beautiful countries

In its latest list, the US-based magazine noted that while cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City attract millions of visitors each year, Vietnam’s true allure lies in its diverse natural landscapes and immersive travel experiences. The country, it said, is “a haven for outdoor enthusiasts” and anyone drawn to scenic beauty.

The enduring appeal of Hoi An's heritage lies not in static structures, but in its vibrant presence in everyday life. (Photo: VNA)

Hoi An, Da Nang Int’l Airport named among world’s best

Hoi An has been named among “The 51 most beautiful places in the world” by British magazine Time Out, while Da Nang International Airport has, for the third consecutive year, secured a place in the world’s Top 100 airports by Skytrax.

French tourists learn about Vietnamese tourism at the 49th World Travel Fair held in Paris (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam refines tourism promotion strategy to elevate national brand

At the fair, Vietnam’s pavilion drew strong interest from travel businesses, experts, and European visitors. According to organisers, Vietnam, along with Japan and Thailand, was among the Asian countries most searched for by French tourists, reflecting growing European attention to Southeast Asia and Vietnam.

International tourists visit the historical sites of the Dinh and Le Kings' temples in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh province (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam sees surge in foreign tourist arrivals, driven by safe destination image

Tourism experts attributed the strong growth to a combination of factors, including more open visa policies, diversified tourism products, and intensified promotion activities. Vietnam’s growing reputation as a safe and friendly destination has also played a significant role in attracting international travellers.

Through the lens of Travel + Leisure, Phu Quoc emerges as an open-air showcase of global architecture

US magazine calls Phu Quoc “a global showcase for architecture”

In a fresh perspective on the island, Travel + Leisure moves beyond beaches and resorts to spotlight Phu Quoc’s evolving identity. The magazine highlights how internationally inspired architectural works are increasingly shaping the destination, forming a new tourism character.

Unlocking tourism potential of Hoi An’s southern coastline

Unlocking tourism potential of Hoi An’s southern coastline

The central city of Da Nang possesses nearly 200km of coastline – the longest in Vietnam, with scenic landscapes and favourable natural conditions for tourism and service development. However, only about half of this coastline has been utilised for tourism activities, mainly concentrated in central Da Nang and Hoi An Ancient Town. Large stretches of coastline south of Hoi An remain largely untouched, holding significant potential for future development.