Aiming to welcome 23 million international visitors.

The tourism industry is experiencing strong growth, but it still lacks key high-end products to attract luxury travelers...

According to a report by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in 2024, Vietnam is expected to receive 17.5 million international visitors – an increase of 38.9%; domestic visitors are estimated at 110 million – an increase of 1.6%; and total revenue from tourism is estimated at approximately 840,000 billion VND – an increase of 23.8% compared to 2023.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City made a significant contribution.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong assessed that Hanoi is playing the role of the "locomotive" of tourism nationwide. In 2024, Hanoi's tourism revenue accounted for 1/8 of the total national revenue; the number of international visitors reached 6.35 million - accounting for 35% of the national total and increasing by 34.4% compared to 2023. In total, the number of domestic and international tourists visiting Hanoi last year was 27.86 million.

According to Ms. Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, Hanoi's tourism achievements are further evidenced by numerous prestigious awards. This demonstrates the strong rise of the capital's tourism on the international and regional map, further affirming its attractiveness to domestic and foreign tourists.

"In 2025, Hanoi aims to welcome over 30 million visitors, an increase of 11.1% compared to 2024, including over 7 million international tourists; total revenue is expected to exceed 130,000 billion VND," Ms. Giang informed.

International tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: HOANG TRIEU

Meanwhile, in 2024, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 6 million international visitors – a 20% increase; domestic tourists were estimated at 38 million – an 8.6% increase; and total revenue was estimated at VND 190,000 billion – an 18.8% increase compared to the previous year. With this high growth momentum, Ho Chi Minh City aims to welcome 8.5 million international visitors in 2025 – an increase of over 40% compared to the previous year; domestic tourists at approximately 45 million; and total revenue at an estimated VND 260,000 billion – a 37% increase.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, assessed that Ho Chi Minh City has truly become an attractive destination for tourists, contributing significantly to the overall achievements of Vietnamese tourism. According to him, the target of 190,000 billion VND in tourism revenue for Ho Chi Minh City in 2025 is very impressive, demonstrating the strong recovery of this market in particular and the country as a whole.

Multiple integrated solutions

By 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism aims to welcome and serve 22-23 million international tourists; 120-130 million domestic tourists; and total tourism revenue is estimated to reach 980 to over 1 trillion VND.

To achieve its goals, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated that it will research groundbreaking and robust solutions; and urgently develop a smart tourism ecosystem linked to comprehensive digital transformation. The tourism industry will also launch a competitive emulation movement titled "Professional service, attentive service, civilized behavior, and a clean and green environment" to bring about "the smile of Vietnamese tourism." In addition, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will also develop a program to promote Vietnamese cuisine to the world for the period 2026-2030.

A key highlight is that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will develop communication and promotional programs and campaigns using innovative approaches, contributing to the rapid, comprehensive, and sustainable development of Vietnamese tourism. Accordingly, it will participate in and organize tourism promotion and introduction activities in key markets; participate in the ITB Berlin 2025 international tourism fair in Germany and the Travex 2025 fair in Malaysia.

According to experts, the tourism industry is experiencing strong growth, but still faces many challenges such as a lack of key high-end products to attract luxury tourists; and subpar service and environmental quality.

Mr. Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, stated that the goal of developing tourism into a key economic sector requires the participation of the business community, the involvement of many ministries and agencies, and the mobilization of social resources. However, awareness of this task among different levels, sectors, and localities is still uneven; inter-sectoral and inter-regional coordination is inconsistent, infrequent, and lacks cohesion in both awareness and action, failing to meet development requirements. Notably, many localities have the potential for tourism development but lack direction.

Technology is playing an increasingly important role.

According to a survey by the digital travel platform Agoda, by 2025, Vietnamese travelers will increasingly focus on relaxing vacations, family experiences, and exploring new destinations. Specifically, 65% of respondents prioritized relaxation, 49% chose cultural exploration, and 39% opted to visit family and friends. 39% of Vietnamese travelers planned trips with family, 20% intended to travel alone, and 17% planned trips as couples.

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in travel planning, with 78% of travelers saying they will use travel apps to organize their trips. Notably, alongside traditional business trips, the trend of combining travel with remote work is becoming increasingly popular.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/huong-den-muc-tieu-don-23-trieu-luot-khach-quoc-te-196250105220200321.htm