Nearly 11 million international visitors to Vietnam in the first 6 months of the year

Thanks to a flexible visa policy and effective tourism promotion and stimulus activities, Vietnam's tourism industry welcomed nearly 10.7 million international visitors in the first 6 months of 2025, completing about 50% of the year's growth target.

In June 2025 alone, the number of international visitors reached nearly 1.5 million, an increase of 17% over the same period in 2024. The total number of international visitors to Vietnam in the first half of 2025 increased by 20.7% over the same period last year, exceeding 25.7% over the same period in 2019 (before the Covid-19 pandemic). This figure also surpassed the total number of international visitors in the whole year of 2016 (10 million).

International tourists visit Hoan Kiem Lake. Photo: VNA

According to the report of the General Statistics Office ( Ministry of Finance ), the gross domestic product (GDP) in the first 6 months of 2025 increased by 7.52%, the highest level in the period 2011-2025. Of which, the service sector grew by 8.14%, contributing more than 52% to the total added value of the entire economy. Strong development of foreign trade, transportation and tourism activities has contributed significantly to the overall growth. At the Government Conference with localities on July 3, the Prime Minister assessed tourism as one of the 10 outstanding bright spots in the first 6 months of 2025.

In terms of international visitor markets, China continued to lead with 2.7 million arrivals (accounting for 25.6%), followed by South Korea with 2.2 million arrivals (20.7%). These two markets accounted for nearly half of the total number of international visitors. Other major markets included: the United States (449,000 arrivals), Japan (393,000 arrivals), Cambodia (360,000 arrivals), India, Australia, Malaysia and Russia.

Notably, Asian markets saw strong growth, including China (up 44.2%), Japan (up 17.2%), and India (up 41%). Southeast Asia also recorded impressive recovery, with the Philippines up over 105%, Cambodia up 55.6%, Laos up 35.8%, and the Korean market down slightly by 3.2%.

European markets also recorded a breakthrough, especially Russia, which increased by 139.3%. Countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Norway and Sweden all had double-digit growth. The Polish and Swiss markets also grew strongly thanks to Vietnam's short-term visa exemption policy for citizens of these countries according to Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP of the Government .

These positive results are the result of the Government's strong leadership, especially visa exemption policies, open e-visas and diverse and creative tourism promotion programs. Over the past 6 months, the National Tourism Administration has coordinated with other units to successfully implement many cultural promotion and tourism promotion activities in Europe, Asia and on digital platforms, contributing to enhancing the position and attractiveness of Vietnamese tourism in the international arena.

According to People's Army

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/gan-11-trieu-luot-khach-quoc-te-den-viet-nam-6-thang-dau-nam-a423823.html