Aiming to welcome 23 million international visitors

The tourism industry is experiencing strong growth but still lacks key premium products to attract luxury customers...

According to a report by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), in 2024, there will be 17.5 million international visitors to Vietnam - an increase of 38.9%; domestic visitors are estimated at 110 million - an increase of 1.6%; total revenue from tourists is estimated at about VND 840,000 billion - an increase of 23.8% compared to 2023.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City make great contributions

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

According to Ms. Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the achievements of Hanoi tourism are also proven by many prestigious awards. This shows the strong rise of the capital's tourism on the international and regional map, continuing to affirm 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 reaches over 130,000 billion VND" - Ms. Giang informed.

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

Meanwhile, in 2024, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 6 million international visitors - an increase of 20%; domestic tourists are estimated at 38 million - an increase of 8.6%; total revenue is estimated at 190,000 billion VND - an increase of 18.8% over 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 more than 40% over the previous year; domestic visitors are about 45 million; total revenue is estimated at 260,000 billion VND - an increase of 37%.

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

Multiple synchronous solutions

In 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism aims to welcome and serve 22-23 million international tourists; 120-130 million domestic tourists; total tourism revenue is estimated at 980 to more than 1 million billion VND.

To achieve the goal, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it will research breakthrough and powerful solutions; urgently form a smart tourism ecosystem associated with comprehensive digital transformation. The tourism industry also launched the emulation movement "Professional service, attentive service, civilized behavior, clean green environment" to bring "smiles of Vietnamese tourism". In addition, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will also develop a program to promote Vietnamese cuisine to the world in the period of 2026-2030.

An important highlight is that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will develop programs and communication and promotion campaigns in a new way, contributing to the rapid, comprehensive and sustainable development of Vietnamese tourism. Accordingly, participating in and organizing tourism promotion and introduction activities in key markets; participating in the ITB Berlin 2025 International Tourism Fair in Germany, and the Travex 2025 Fair in Malaysia.

According to experts, the tourism industry is creating strong growth momentum, but still faces many challenges such as a lack of key high-end products to attract luxury customers; low quality of services and environment...

Mr. Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said that the goal of developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector requires the participation of the business community, the involvement of many departments and sectors, and the mobilization of social resources. However, the awareness of all levels, sectors, and localities about this task is still uneven; inter-sectoral and inter-regional coordination is not synchronous, irregular, and lacks closeness in both awareness and action, failing to meet development requirements. Notably, many localities have room to develop tourism but lack direction.

Technology plays an increasingly important role

According to a survey by digital travel platform Agoda, by 2025, Vietnamese tourists will increasingly focus on vacations, family experiences and exploring new destinations. Accordingly, 65% of those surveyed prioritize vacations, 49% choose to explore culture and 39% choose to visit family and friends. 39% of Vietnamese tourists plan to travel with relatives, 20% plan to travel alone and 17% plan to travel as a couple.

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, in addition to traditional business trips, the trend of traveling combined with remote work is becoming more popular.

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