Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s tourism industry has made a strong comeback after the COVID-19 pandemic and is on track to become a globally recognised green and sustainable destination, according to Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, who chaired a meeting of the State Steering Committee for Tourism on July 31 in Hanoi.
Speaking at the meeting, Chinh said that with strong determination across the sector and close collaboration and support from ministries and localities, Vietnam's tourism will make a strong breakthrough. The joint efforts will help propel the industry to a new height, becoming a key economic sector.
Vietnam’s tourism sector has achieved both quantitative and qualitative growth since reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the country welcomed 12.6 million international tourists, a 332% increase over the previous year, along with 108 million domestic travellers, up 6.8% year-on-year.
In 2024, the number of international tourist arrivals reached over 17 million, a 39% increase, while the number of domestic tourists grew slightly to 110 million.
In the first half of 2025, the industry received nearly 10.7 million international visitors, up 20.7%, and served 77.5 million domestic travellers, an 8.5% increase, generating a total tourism revenue of 518 trillion VND (19.7 billion USD), or 53% of the year’s target.
Vietnam strives to welcome 22,000 – 23,000 international visitors and 120 - 130 million domestic travellers this year, the Deputy PM said.
He emphasised the need for a strategic repositioning of Vietnamese tourism. This includes revising tourism planning, improving regulations, and crafting development plans that reflect changing visitor trends.
He instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to lead efforts in implementing the government's key resolutions, including Dispatch No. 34/CD-TTg on promoting tourism development, with focus on diversifying tourism markets, developing infrastructure, and investing in workforce training and digital transformation.
The Deputy PM also stressed the importance of legal reform, including amending the 2017 Law on Tourism, simplifying administrative procedures, and reducing costs for both businesses and tourists.
Businesses and the public must remain at the heart of tourism development, with tourists as the central focus, he said, adding that Vietnam needs to keep pace with global travel trends and consumer demands.
In closing, Deputy PM Chinh urged bold innovation and creativity across the tourism sector. With the government's strong support and determination, he said, the tourism sector will make a breakthrough, becoming a pillar of the economy and a green and sustainable attractive destination in the world tourism map./.
