Vietnam's tourism industry ranks among the world's top in terms of international visitor growth.

International tourists are excited to receive the Vietnamese flag (red with a yellow star) as a gift while experiencing Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: CTV/Vietnam+)

Vietnam's tourism sector has become a bright spot, boasting the highest growth rate in international tourist arrivals in the Asia -Pacific region in Q1 2025 – a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024 – and ranking second in terms of recovery in international visitor numbers (a 34% increase compared to Q1 2019).

Globally, Vietnam ranks 6th in terms of growth in international tourist arrivals (up 30% compared to the same period in 2024) and 4th in terms of growth in total tourism revenue (up 29% compared to the same period last year).

This figure is according to the latest World Tourism Barometer from the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). Notably, Vietnam ranked 6th in terms of international tourist arrivals growth in recent times.

Amidst the ongoing challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region as it seeks to recover from COVID-19, Vietnam's impressive tourism growth is considered a real bright spot in the region.

The success story of Vietnam's tourism industry reflects the efforts of the entire sector in implementing a comprehensive set of solutions, from advising on policy development, innovating content and methods of promotion and advertising, implementing tourism stimulus programs, and developing diverse products.

In particular, the attention of the Government and the Prime Minister, through the issuance of numerous directives to remove obstacles and create favorable conditions for tourism, including an open visa policy, has significantly contributed to attracting an increasing number of international tourists to enter Vietnam.

Beautiful and peaceful natural landscapes are one of the attractions that draw international tourists to Vietnam. (Illustrative photo: CTV/Vietnam+)

According to the UN Tourism report, in the first quarter of 2025, there were over 300 million international tourists globally, an increase of more than 14 million compared to the same period in 2024 (representing a 5% increase compared to the same period last year and a 3% increase compared to 2019). This represents strong growth in world tourism despite a series of uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and high inflation affecting the cost of tourism and travel services.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Everywhere in the world, tourism is proving to be a vital service industry, supporting millions of workers and businesses. The continued growth in international visitor numbers and increased visitor spending at many destinations demonstrates a strong recovery across the sector in the face of challenges, and this is truly good news for economies and workers worldwide.”

By region, Europe was the world's largest destination, recording 125 million international tourists in the first three months of the year (a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2024). Asia-Pacific saw the highest growth at 12%, followed by Africa at 9%, the Americas at 2%, and the Middle East at 1%.

International tourists in the exhibition space of the War Remnants Museum, a popular tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: Hong Dat/VNA)

Compared to pre-pandemic levels, the Middle East has recovered the best with 144%, followed by Africa at 144%, Europe at 105%, and the Americas at 103%. The Asia-Pacific region is still recovering, reaching 91%.

Furthermore, data on tourist spending at destinations shows that total international tourism revenue is projected to reach a record $1.7 trillion in 2024 (a 15% increase compared to 2019). This increase is partly due to a rise in average spending per trip, reaching $1,170, higher than the pre-pandemic average of $1,000.

Despite the challenges and prospects, UN Tourism maintains its growth forecast of 3% to 5% for 2025, driven by positive signals from countries like Vietnam.

According to Vietnam+

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/du-lich-viet-lot-top-the-gioi-ve-muc-tang-truong-du-khach-quoc-te-a423767.html