Việtnam’s Tourism Shines in 2025, Emerges as Key Driver of Economic Growth

HCM City, The Gulf Observer: Tourism emerged as one of the brightest spots in Việtnam’s socio-economic landscape in 2025, recording strong growth in visitor numbers, revenue and international recognition, according to government assessments.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has highlighted tourism as among the most dynamic contributors to national economic growth this year. Beyond a full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has set new records for international arrivals, tourism receipts and global awards, laying a critical foundation for tourism to become a pillar supporting double-digit GDP growth during the 2026–2030 period.

Data from the Việtnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) show that in the first 11 months of 2025, the country welcomed more than 19.1 million international visitors, representing a year-on-year increase of 20.9 per cent and surpassing the pre-pandemic peak recorded in 2019.

A ceremony marking the arrival of Việt Nam’s 20-millionth international visitor was held in Phú Quốc on December 15, marking the first time the country has reached this milestone in a single year during its 65-year tourism history.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hồ An Phong said the achievement not only reinforces Việt Nam’s position on the global tourism map but also reflects a strategic shift towards more diversified markets and higher-spending, longer-stay visitors. This transition supports the sector’s target of reaching VNĐ1 quadrillion (approximately US$38 billion) in tourism revenue in 2025.

Tourism growth has been broad-based nationwide, with major destinations such as Hà Nội, HCM City, Quảng Ninh and Đà Nẵng reporting sharp increases in both international and domestic visitors. The sector has played a vital role in reviving service industries and stimulating local economic growth.

In Hà Nội, international arrivals rose by about 25 per cent in the first 11 months of 2025 compared with the same period last year, while domestic tourism increased by more than 21 per cent. Cultural tourism, night-time experiences and heritage tours linked to the Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel have helped extend visitor stays and boost spending, contributing to a 20.7 per cent year-on-year increase in tourism revenue.

HCM City recorded particularly strong performance, with international visitors estimated at 8.5 million in 2025, up 39.3 per cent from 2024. Domestic tourist numbers are projected to reach 45 million, while total tourism revenue is expected to climb to VNĐ260 trillion, an increase of 36.1 per cent. The city continues to affirm its role as Việt Nam’s largest tourism, service and economic hub.

Nationwide growth has been further supported by the recovery of international flight routes and the resurgence of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism. Shopping, gastronomy, entertainment and night-time tourism have expanded rapidly, enabling tourism to act as a key driver for trade, logistics and related services.

In Quảng Ninh, tourism growth has remained stable and sustainable, with Hạ Long Bay, Yên Tử and coastal and island destinations continuing to attract large numbers of visitors. Strategic investment in transport infrastructure and high-end tourism products has improved both visitor volumes and revenue quality.

Đà Nẵng has maintained its position as the central region’s tourism hub, supported by restored international air links and a packed calendar of cultural, sporting and beach tourism events. Tourism-related services have recovered swiftly, underpinning the city’s broader socio-economic momentum.

Reflecting Việt Nam’s strong performance, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) ranked the country among the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets in 2025, with growth of around 21 per cent, far exceeding the global average of 5 per cent and the Asia–Pacific average of 8 per cent.

Looking ahead, VNAT Director General Nguyễn Trùng Khánh said Việt Nam is expected to welcome around 21.5 million international visitors in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, alongside approximately 135.5 million domestic tourists. Total tourism revenue is projected to exceed VNĐ1 quadrillion, contributing an estimated 8.8 per cent directly to GDP.

For 2026, the country has set ambitious targets of 25 million international visitors, 150 million domestic tourists and total tourism revenue of about VNĐ1.1 quadrillion. Authorities remain confident that with strong government support, effective inter-agency coordination and active business participation, tourism will continue to accelerate and consolidate its role as a spearhead sector of the national economy.