Travel

Vietnam’s tourism recovery leads Southeast Asia in 2024

Vietnam ranked first in tourism recovery in Southeast Asia in 2024, reaching 98% of the pre-COVID level, surpassing Malaysia (94%), Thailand (88%), Singapore (86%), Indonesia (86%), and the Philippines (72%).

At Temple of Literature in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)
At Temple of Literature in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s tourism industry saw a remarkable recovery in 2024, leading Southeast Asia by recovering to 98% of its pre-COVID level, according to Indonesia’s en.tempo.co.

This resurgence positioned Vietnam at the forefront, surpassing Malaysia (94%), Thailand (88%), Singapore (86%), Indonesia (86%), and the Philippines (72%) in recovery rates.

Last year alone, Vietnam saw an influx of about 17.5 million foreign visitors, a jump of 38.9% from the previous year. The domestic scene was equally vibrant, with 110 million local travelers, a 1.6% rise, contributing to a 23.85% increase in tourism revenue, reaching around 840 trillion VND (33.19 billion USD).

This impressive growth can be credited to Vietnam's favourable visa policies, now offering visa exemptions to travelers from 25 countries. The introduction of a user-friendly e-visa portal has further eased the process for tourists, enhancing Vietnam's appeal as a destination.

Looking forward to 2025, Vietnam sets its sights on welcoming 23 million foreign visitors, with tourism expected to contribute 6-8% to the gross domestic product (GDP). Beyond boosting revenue, the sector is also creating jobs and uplifting community living standards.

To hit its target, experts advised focusing on high-potential markets such as China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, North America, India and the Middle East. Other strategies include targeting quality tourism markets with visa-free entry and convenient flight connections, and improving tourism infrastructure./.

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