Vietnam’s inbound tourism booms, surpassing pre-pandemic levels

Vietnam's inbound tourism is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, exceeding pre-pandemic levels as of the late April, signaling a promising season for the sector.

Foreign tourists in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)
Foreign tourists in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam's inbound tourism is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, exceeding pre-pandemic levels as of the late April, signaling a promising season for the sector.

Statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) showed that in April alone, the country welcomed nearly 1.6 million foreign arrivals, a 58.2% increase compared to the same period last year. This momentum propelled the total number of international arrivals in the first four months of this year to 6.2 million, representing a 68.3% annual growth. This figure surpassed that recorded during the pre-pandemic "golden era" of tourism.

The positive trend extended beyond visitor numbers. Revenue generated by accommodation and dining services was estimated at 237.3 trillion VND (9.88 billion USD), up 15.3% while tourism revenue grew by 49.3% year-on-year to 19.4 trillion VND.

Visitor number from Asia climbed by 77.2% while European arrivals surged by 63.8%. Notably, the Republic of Korea remained Vietnam's largest tourist market, contributing 1.6 million visitors, or 25.8% of the total. Other major markets like the US, Taiwan (China), and Japan also showed significant growth.

Arrivals from major markets like the UK soared by 35.2%, France 41.7%, Germany 36.9%, Italy 77.4%, Spain 48.5%, and Russia 74%.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City remained major tourist hubs, each welcoming around 1.4 million foreigners during the first four months. This represented a 40% and 32.4% annual increase, respectively.

VNAT Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh attributed the success partly to the new visa policy effective in August 2023 which has been met with international acclaim and is considered a key factor in the growth of international arrivals.

The early-year surge has propelled the industry towards its goal of welcoming 17-18 million foreign visitors for the entire year, serving as a "lifebuoy" for the aviation industry which has been grappling with a decline in the domestic market.

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) reported a surge of over 45% in foreign passengers passing through its airports. International cargo volume also saw a rise of nearly 7.6%, reaching some 14,000 tonnes.

Building on this momentum, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sun Group Dang Minh Truong proposed expanding unilateral visa exemption for citizens from developed countries like Australia, Canada, and the US, alongside selected European Union nations and some Middle Eastern countries.

He also suggested piloting short-term visa exemption ranging from 6 months to 1 year for tourists from promising markets like China, India, and Taiwan (China). These proposals aim to stimulate further tourism demand and solidify Vietnam's position as a premier tourist destination./.

VNA

See more

The Tet holiday records a surge in tourists to localities. (Photo: NDO)

Vietnam's tourism sector booms during Tet holiday

During the nine-day holiday, localities across the country welcomed nearly 12.5 million domestic travellers, a 19% increase from the same period in 2024. Several provinces and cities recorded tourism revenues exceeding 1 trillion VND.

Various activities will be held in Ho Chi Minh City to welcome the Lunar New Year. (Photo: Vietnamnet)

Cultural festivals take centre stage in Tet tourism push

Vietnam is set to welcome a surge of domestic and international tourists during the 2025 Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday as destinations nationwide are preparing to showcase their distinctive cultural festivals and traditional celebrations.

International visitors arrive at Da Nang Port (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang ready to welcome over 456,000 visitors during Tet holiday

The central beach city of Da Nang is expected to receive over 456,000 visitors, of them more than 221,000 international, during the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday (from January 25 to February 2), a year-on-year rise of 13.5%, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.

Representatives from the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh at the awarding ceremony (Photo: baotravinh.vn)

Tra Vinh’s Con Chim site wins ASEAN Community-based Tourism Award

The Con Chim (bird islet) community-based tourism site in Chau Thanh district, the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh has won the ASEAN Community-based Tourism Award (CBT-ASEAN) 2023 at a ceremony held in Malaysia, according to the provincial department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Foreign guests enjoy traditional Tet cuisine. (Photo: VNA)

Tet-themed tours luring foreign holiday-markers

The diversification of cultural, historical, and experiential tourism products, especially those offering tourist the experience of celebrating Lunar New Year (Tet) like locals, has been praised by international visitors, according to insiders.

After arriving in Quang Ninh, visitors will explore Ha Long Bay, visit the city, visit some cultural and historical relics and neighbouring localities. (Photo: VNA)

Over 1,200 foreign tourists arrive in Ha Long on cruises

Two luxury cruise ships, Seabourn Encore and Silver Whisper, have docked at Ha Long International Cruise Port, bringing more than 1,200 international tourists to Quang Ninh province, home to UNESCO-recognised natural heritage Ha Long Bay.

In 2024, Yen Bai province introduces 16 new tourism products recognized and put into operation (Photo: VNA)

Yen Bai transforms natural heritage into valuable assets

The northwestern mountainous province of Yen Bai, which has emerged as an attractive destination, plans to turn its heritage into an "asset," by continuing to implement comprehensive policies to support tourism development and further invest in creating new tourism offerings in 2025.