Travel

Tourism sector sets ambitious target to reach fresh goals

Vietnam’s tourism sector is aiming for a very ambitious target of welcoming 25 million international visitors this year, requiring significant efforts from the entire industry, with facilitative policies and breakthrough, innovative solutions.

An aerial view of the Han River in Da Nang city, a tourist magnet of Vietnam. The total number of foreign visitors to Vietnam during January-August reaches nearly 14 million (Photo: VNA)
An aerial view of the Han River in Da Nang city, a tourist magnet of Vietnam. The total number of foreign visitors to Vietnam during January-August reaches nearly 14 million (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam’s tourism sector is aiming for a very ambitious target of welcoming 25 million international visitors this year, requiring significant efforts from the entire industry, with facilitative policies and breakthrough, innovative solutions.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) annual report, tourism currently accounts for more than 10% of global GDP. In Vietnam, tourism is also regarded as a key economic sector with breakthrough developments, helping shape the economic landscape and serving as a cultural bridge connecting Vietnam with the world.

Although it is still the low season for international tourism, the positive growth results in the past eight months have shown promising signs for the inbound tourism market.

Data from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) revealed that the total number of foreign visitors from January to August was nearly 14 million, an increase of 21.7% compared to the same period in 2024. Major markets recording good growth rates include China, Japan, and India.

The reorganisation of administrative units on July 1, 2025, is creating new momentum and strength for localities, requiring the tourism sector to formulate development strategies that are commensurate with these changes.

tourism-2.jpg
In 2025, Vietnamese tourism will focus on promoting the images of UNESCO heritage sites such as Hoi An. (Photo: TITC)

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong said that the ministry and the VNAT have actively coordinated with various ministries and agencies to propose expanding visa and entry-exit pzolicies toward more openness and convenience. The most recent policy includes visa exemption for 12 European countries as part of a tourism stimulus programme, as well as visa exemption for high-profile foreigners entering Vietnam to support socio-economic development.

To achieve the goal of welcoming 25 million international visitors this year, Vietnam's tourism sector needs a comprehensive strategy that closely integrates policy solutions, product development, partnerships, promotion activities, and effective exploitation of key markets. The joint effort and synergy among government agencies, businesses, and local authorities will be the key factor determining the success of Vietnam’s tourism objectives for 2025./.

VNA
#tourism sector #international tourism #international visitors #World Travel & Tourism Council #Vietnam National Authority of Tourism
Follow VietnamPlus

Post-pandemic recovery

Related News

For the eight months of this year, the total number of visitors reached 21.58 million, including 4.96 million international tourist arrivals (Photo: VNA)

Over 3.1 million tourists visit Hanoi in August

For the eight months of this year, the total number of visitors to Hanoi reached 21.58 million, up 13.9% year-on-year. Of the total, international tourist arrivals were 4.96 million, a year-on-year increase of 25.8%. Total revenue from tourism in the period hit an estimated 85.8 trillion VND, up 17.1%.

See more

A double-decker sightseeing bus in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City elevates destination appeal, enhances tourism workforce quality

As Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector continues to sustain growth momentum, it is shifting strongly from post-merger recovery to development acceleration, with a focus on restructuring destination spaces to offer diverse tourism models and attract more domestic and international visitors.

Visitors tour Ngo Mon (Noon Gate) at the Hue Imperial Citadel. (Photo: VNA)

Visit Vietnam Year – Hue 2025: renewing heritage, shaping distinct brand

Visit Vietnam Year – Hue 2025 has left a series of strong imprints, reflecting a marked transformation in Hue’s tourism in terms of scale, quality and brand positioning. More than a programme of events, it has become a powerful driver, helping position Hue as a competitive cultural and heritage tourism centre in the region.

A view of the talkshow within the conference in Hue on December 12 to review and discuss strategic orientations for the 2023-2025 roadmap to reduce plastic waste in the local tourism sector. (Photo: VNA)

Hue accelerates shift toward green, low-plastic tourism models

Over the past three years, Hue tourism authorities have strengthened communication and advocacy for plastic waste reduction through 10 training sessions with 690 participants, “Coffee Talk” events, professional Zalo groups, and direct engagement with businesses. As a result, 102 enterprises and business households have signed commitments to reduce plastics, and 12 hotels have pioneered plastic-reduction practices.

The inaugural flight from New Delhi lands at Phu Quoc International Airport (Photo: Sun Group)

Phu Quoc welcomes new direct flights from India

Phu Quoc International Airport welcomed over 180 Indian travellers on a new direct flight from New Delhi on December 10, marking the start of a month-long flight series that will link the two destinations and bring a fresh wave of visitors to Vietnam’s pristine island.

Visitors pose for a photo at Ben Thanh Market in HCM City (Photo: VNA)

HCM City speeds up digital tourism to draw more travellers

Following its goal of building a friendly destination, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism is rolling out a range of local stimulus programmes, with a focus on bringing the city’s signature attractions closer to domestic and international visitors through digital platforms.

Foreign visitors are touched to receive meaningful gifts from their Vietnamese friends (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Vietnam welcomes more than 19 million international visitors in 11 months

A UN Tourism report highlighted Vietnam’s performance as one of the most notable recoveries worldwide. While tourism across the Asia–Pacific has rebounded to only around 90% of pre-COVID levels, Vietnam is among a select group of destinations, alongside Japan, recording rapid and sustained growth, it said.

Foreign visitors explore Hanoi’s old quarters by cyclo, admiring the city’s timeless beauty. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam draws French holidaymakers during Christmas, New Year

Patrice Caradec, President of the Syndicate of French Tour-Operators (SETO), said the country has not attracted as many French tourists since COVID-19. As Vietnam reopened later than several Asian destinations, pent-up demand has surged with the full recovery of tourism. The “S-shaped” nation has now returned to pre-pandemic levels of French arrivals.