Việtnam Set to Welcome 20 Millionth International Tourist in Historic Tourism Milestone
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Việtnam is poised to welcome its 20 millionth international tourist in a single year for the first time, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s tourism sector. The landmark arrival is expected at Phú Quốc International Airport in mid-December 2025.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, a welcoming ceremony for the milestone visitor will be jointly organised by the ministry and the An Giang provincial People’s Committee. The event will be implemented by the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism in coordination with the An Giang Department of Tourism and relevant agencies.
The programme is expected to include a special welcome for passengers on the flight carrying the 20 millionth international visitor, with activities taking place at the aircraft apron and inside the airport terminal. Three international travellers—the 19,999,999th, the 20,000,000th and the 20,000,001st arrivals—will be honoured during the ceremony. Each will receive commemorative gifts showcasing Phú Quốc’s identity as a leading island destination featuring a modern tourism and resort ecosystem set amid striking natural scenery.
Official statistics show that Việt Nam welcomed approximately 19 million international visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 20.4 per cent. With continued growth in the fourth quarter and a strong recovery in global travel demand, authorities said reaching the 20-million mark by mid-December is both feasible and well supported by current trends.
This achievement will mark the first time in the 65-year history of Việtnam’s tourism industry that the country has received 20 million international visitors in a single year, signalling a new phase in post-pandemic recovery and sustainable growth.
The Việtnam National Authority of Tourism said the milestone reflects the effectiveness of strong and consistent leadership from the government and the prime minister in implementing measures to revive and develop the sector. These include improved visa policies, expansion of international source markets, enhanced promotion and marketing, and continuous upgrades in the quality of tourism products and services. Collectively, these efforts have strengthened Việtnam’s image as a safe, attractive and increasingly competitive destination at both regional and global levels.
The 20-million-visitor benchmark holds particular significance for the tourism industry. It underscores Việtnam’s rising appeal and enhanced position on the global tourism map, driven by its rich culture, natural beauty, distinctive cuisine and diverse travel experiences. It also highlights the robust recovery of international tourism following the pandemic, with Việtnam maintaining stable growth and recording a high rate of repeat visitors.
Moreover, the milestone reinforces international travellers’ confidence in Việt Nam as a safe, friendly and experience-rich destination, while building momentum towards the country’s goal of welcoming 35 million international visitors by 2030 and positioning tourism as a spearhead sector of the national economy.
Phú Quốc, one of the country’s busiest international aviation hubs, officials noted, symbolises the renewed vitality of Việtnam’s tourism industry and provides a fitting venue to welcome the 20 millionth international visitor at this landmark moment.
