The number of international tourists to Vietnam in the first 9 months of 2024 is higher than the 12.6 million arrivals in the whole year of 2023. Of which, the two markets of Korea and China contribute 47.8% of the total number of visitors.
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| The “influx” of Indian tourists firmly affirms Vietnam’s position in the field of international tourism. (Source: Toquoc.vn) |
In September 2024, Vietnam welcomed nearly 1.3 million international visitors, bringing the total number of international visitors in the first 9 months of the year to more than 12.7 million, an increase of 43.0% over the same period last year, higher than the figure of 12.6 million in the whole year of 2023.
However, the number of visitors in September decreased by 11.9% compared to August 2024. The main reason was the impact of super typhoon Yagi in the North with great destructive power, seriously affecting service providers in many key tourist destinations such as Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Tuyen Quang...
Not only that, the storm's circulation also caused flooding for many days in many northern provinces and cities, causing damage to infrastructure, roads, people, and disrupting travel and tourism activities. Many units had many customers booking tours, rooms and related services, but had to cancel due to the storm's impact.
In terms of market size, South Korea continues to be Vietnam's largest tourist market in the first 9 months of 2024 with 3.3 million arrivals (accounting for 26.5%). China ranked second, reaching 2.7 million arrivals (accounting for 21.3%). These two markets alone contributed 47.8% of the total number of international arrivals in the past 9 months.
Next is the Taiwan market (China) with 954 thousand arrivals, the US (579 thousand arrivals), Japan (529 thousand arrivals), Malaysia (357 thousand arrivals). In the top 10 largest markets of Vietnamese tourism, there are also Australia, India, Cambodia and Thailand.
In terms of growth drivers, in the first 9 months of the year, major markets in the Northeast Asia region were the main drivers of international visitor growth. In particular, the Chinese market increased by 141.4% compared to the same period in 2023, followed by South Korea (+30.3%), Japan (+27.6%), and Taiwan (+65.8%).
Nearby markets in Southeast Asia grew well, including Indonesia (+91.9%), Philippines (+59.5%), Laos (+14.4%), Cambodia (+12.4%), Malaysia (+6.9%), Singapore (+5.4%). India continued to grow well (+27.0%). The Thai market alone decreased by 14.3%.
Notably, markets in Europe all grew vigorously, including major markets such as the UK (+19.9%), France (+28.1%), Germany (+23.3%). In addition, there are Italy (+55.1%), Spain (+24.8%), Russia (+80.5%), Denmark (+22.1%), Norway (+15.7%), Sweden (+22.8%). These are all markets that enjoy a unilateral visa exemption policy for entry into Vietnam with a temporary stay of up to 45 days, effective from August 15, 2023.
In South Asia, it is worth noting that the potential market of India has grown dramatically, recovering 305% compared to before the pandemic. Most Southeast Asian markets have also recovered well: Cambodia reached 300%, Indonesia reached 171%, Laos reached 155%, the Philippines reached 134%, Singapore reached 112%. Only Thailand (87%) and Malaysia (82%) recovered at a lower rate.
In Northeast Asia, the largest market is South Korea, which has recovered well, reaching 110%, Taiwan at 147%. However, China has only recovered at 68%, Japan at 74%.
In Europe, key markets such as Spain reached 103%, Italy reached 119%, Germany reached 107%. The UK and France are almost fully recovered with 95% and 92%, respectively. In addition, the US market has also surpassed 2019, reaching 102%, Australia reached 122%.
In general, the number of international visitors to Vietnam grew positively in the first 9 months of 2024, most markets fully recovered, some markets even increased sharply compared to the same period in 2019.
Recently, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have successfully implemented a series of programs to promote Vietnamese tourism abroad such as Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Korea, etc. In particular, the first-ever film tourism promotion program in the United States has created a big buzz. Along with the momentum from the open visa policy, it is expected that in the remaining months of 2024, the number of international visitors to Vietnam will continue to grow dramatically, and the tourism industry will complete the goal of welcoming 17-18 million international visitors this year.
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