Vietnam tourism welcomes 4.6 million international visitors in the first 5 months of the year

In the first 5 months of the year, there were nearly 4.6 million international visitors to Vietnam, reaching 57.5% of the 2023 plan. The Chinese market continued to have positive growth.

According to the General Statistics Office, in May 2023, Vietnam welcomed 916,300 international visitors, down 6.9% compared to the previous month. In the first 5 months of the year, the whole industry welcomed nearly 4.6 million international visitors, 12 times higher than the same period in 2022, reaching 57.5% of the yearly plan.

Regarding the domestic market, in May 2023, the tourism industry served 12.5 million domestic visitors (including 8.3 million visitors with accommodation). The total number of domestic visitors in 5 months reached 50.5 million. The number of domestic visitors is increasing due to the peak domestic tourism season. Total revenue from tourists in the first 5 months of 2023 is estimated at 267.2 trillion VND.

South Korea continued to be the largest market sending visitors in the first 5 months of 2023 with 1.3 million arrivals. China rose to 2nd place, reaching 399 thousand arrivals. The US ranked 3rd (307 thousand arrivals).

In May 2023, Vietnam welcomed 916,300 international visitors, down 6.9% compared to the previous month.

In the top 10 markets, Northeast Asia has 4 markets: Korea (1,318 thousand arrivals), China (399 thousand arrivals), Taiwan (252 thousand arrivals), Japan (204 thousand arrivals). Southeast Asia has 3 markets: Thailand (236 thousand arrivals); Malaysia (192 thousand arrivals); Cambodia (167 thousand arrivals). Australia and India ranked 9th and 10th (158 thousand arrivals and 141 thousand arrivals).

In Europe, the UK (113.8 thousand arrivals), France (95.8 thousand arrivals) and Germany (89.2 thousand arrivals) are the largest markets sending visitors. The Russian market reached 54 thousand arrivals after the first 5 months of the year.

The Chinese market had the best growth among key markets, reaching 146 thousand arrivals in May, up 31.1% compared to April (equivalent to 34.8 thousand arrivals).

Markets with increased visitor numbers compared to April 2023 are: Indonesia (up 64%), China (up 31%), Malaysia (up 21%), Japan (up 2%). Some markets with decreased visitor numbers compared to April 2023 are: Korea (-4.6%), USA (-21.9%), Thailand (-32.5%), Cambodia (-20.4%), Germany (-41%), UK (-33.5%), Australia (-20.6%).

In general, Vietnam is in the low season for international tourism, so it is understandable that the total number of international visitors decreased compared to the previous month. However, it is noteworthy that the Chinese market continues to have a positive recovery.

In terms of growth rate, it increased by 31% compared to the previous month, and in terms of market size, China has risen to second place. This is an initial positive signal, creating the basis for a stronger recovery in the final months of the year. With 4.6 million international visitors in the first 5 months of the year, reaching 57% of the 2023 plan target, the tourism industry is likely to reach and exceed the target of 8 million international visitors this year.

Source