Golf tourism: A strategic product of Vietnam's tourism industry

As one of the fastest growing segments, with tourist spending six times higher than regular visitors, golf tourism is expected to help enhance the image of Vietnam as a destination.

Vietnam has been voted the Best Golf Destination in Asia for 2025, according to the recently announced results from the World Golf Awards, a leading and prestigious award in the world of golf. Notably, this is the ninth consecutive year that Vietnam has been honored with this prestigious international award.

This award once again affirms the sustainability of golf tourism , which has been identified as one of the strategic products of the country's tourism industry.

Special competitive advantage

According to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Vietnam is considered an ideal golf destination in Asia thanks to its diverse topography, from long coastlines with beautiful beaches to majestic hills and mountains, and a tropical climate favorable for investment and development of golf courses and golf tourism.

Golf courses in Vietnam are of good quality, built in scenic locations, and associated with luxurious resorts spread throughout the country, making them attractive to tourists for relaxation and recreation.

The country currently boasts over 80 internationally standard golf courses spread across all three regions, with prominent golf centers including Hanoi , Quang Ninh, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City, and Lam Dong. Many golf courses were designed by world legends such as Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, and Luke Donald, creating a strong attraction for international tourists.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism has reappointed world-renowned golf legend Greg Norman as Vietnam's Tourism Ambassador for the 2025-2030 term. (Image source: Skysports)

Vietnamese golf has established its brand through a series of prestigious international awards. For nine consecutive years (2017–2025), Vietnam has been honored by the World Golf Organization (WGA) as the “Leading Golf Destination in Asia”; and twice awarded the title of “Best Golf Destination in the World” in 2019 and 2021. Hanoi, the capital city, has also made its mark on the global golf map, being named the “Best Golf Destination City in the World” for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024.

With these competitive advantages and potential, golf tourism has been identified in recent years as one of the strategic products of Vietnam's tourism industry.

To contribute to the development of this unique product and to promote Vietnam as a high-ranking golf tourism destination on the world golf map, in July 2025, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism reappointed world-renowned golf legend Greg Norman as Vietnam's Tourism Ambassador for the 2025-2030 term.

At the Golf Course Owners Conference - Vietnam Golf Tourism Development held at the end of October, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong also stated that, in its vision to 2030, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism aims to develop golf as a high-end tourism product, a comprehensive economic, cultural, sports, and tourism sector contributing to green growth, regional development, and national image promotion.

According to this strategy, golf will become a bridge between sports, tourism, investment, and education, where Vietnam will not only welcome golfers but also train human resources, organize international events, and build a chain of golf destinations with Vietnamese identity. This is a concrete step towards a sustainable, integrated golf industry that reflects Vietnamese cultural values.

Greg Norman has planned to promote golf tourism in Vietnam in particular and the image of Vietnam as a destination in general.

Sustainable growth solutions

According to information from the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, in 2022, golf tourism revenue reached US$600 million, and is expected to reach US$1 billion by 2025 (equivalent to approximately 8-10% of the total national tourism revenue). This contribution of golf to the overall economic results has been positively assessed by industry leaders.

As one of the fastest-growing segments, with golf tourists spending six times more than regular tourists, golf tourism not only brings significant economic value but also helps elevate the image of Vietnam as a destination, targeting the high-end and sustainable market.

Despite the opportunity for breakthroughs, achieving sustainable goals requires a long-term strategy for the entire industry, ranging from diversifying products within the golf tourism ecosystem to focusing on premium experiences for VIP clients.

To further develop this unique product line, the Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Nguyen Trung Khanh, believes that a comprehensive set of solutions is needed. First, it is necessary to raise public awareness of the position and role of the tourism industry and golf tourism in the national economy. This should be recognized as a high-value-added economic sector that creates jobs, contributes to the national budget, and has a ripple effect on other sectors such as aviation, accommodation, sports, resort real estate, and retail.

Through Ambassador Greg Norman, Vietnam's tourism sector aims to forge soft connections between Vietnam and the international community through sports, culture, and tourism.

Next, it is necessary to improve the institutional framework and enact policies to support the development of golf tourism in Vietnam, while also focusing on building training programs for golf tourism human resources that meet international standards.

Furthermore, according to the Director, to achieve high efficiency and ensure environmental safety in the context of global digitalization, it is necessary to apply science and technology in the investment, construction, operation, and management of golf courses; strengthen linkages between tourism businesses, investors, and localities to form a chain of comprehensive golf products and services combining relaxation, dining, health care, and cultural and natural exploration; and promote communication and advertising of Vietnamese golf tourism both domestically and internationally…/.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/du-lich-golf-san-pham-chien-luoc-cua-nganh-du-lich-viet-nam-post1076900.vnp