Vietnam’s Prime Minister Calls for Sweeping Reforms to Elevate Tourism as Economic Growth Driver
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam’s Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has issued a bold directive calling for urgent and comprehensive measures to transform Vietnam’s tourism sector into a spearhead of national economic growth, with the aim of achieving double-digit expansion in the coming years.
The Prime Minister’s official dispatch, signed on April 10, emphasizes the strategic importance of tourism in post-pandemic recovery and long-term socio-economic development, reaffirming the government’s commitment to implementing Resolution No. 08-NQ/TW of the Politburo on turning tourism into a key economic pillar.
Record Growth in 2024 Fuels Ambitious 2025 Targets
Vietnam’s tourism sector witnessed significant momentum in 2024, with 17.6 million international arrivals—a 39% increase year-on-year—and 110 million domestic trips, contributing to a 24% rise in total tourism revenue to approximately VNĐ840 trillion. The first quarter of 2025 has already set new benchmarks, with over six million international visitors, the highest ever for a single quarter.
Building on this growth, the government has set ambitious 2025 targets:
- 22 to 23 million international visitors
- 130 million domestic travellers
- 12–13% growth in tourism revenue
These goals are expected to create spillover benefits across multiple sectors and propel national GDP growth to 8%, setting the stage for sustained double-digit growth in the years ahead.
Strengthening Promotion and National Branding
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been tasked with intensifying global and domestic promotional efforts through the 2025 tourism stimulus programme, the adoption of modern digital tools, and a renewed focus on building a strong national tourism brand grounded in Vietnamese cultural identity.
Cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be key in mobilizing diplomatic missions and overseas Vietnamese communities to support promotional efforts abroad. Tourism enterprises are encouraged to open representative offices overseas, and a progress report is due by May 2025.
Enhancing Tourism Products and Infrastructure
The directive places a strong emphasis on product diversification and private sector investment, particularly in developing integrated tourism complexes, eco-tourism, wellness retreats, agricultural tourism, golf resorts, and luxury experiences.
The government also aims to expand Vietnam’s role in the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and promote cultural tourism linked to the entertainment industry. Local governments are encouraged to collaborate on regional tourism experiences tailored to each area’s unique strengths.
Additionally, the government is pushing for “on-the-spot exports” by integrating tourism with Vietnamese cultural, agricultural, and industrial products, enhancing economic impact.
Digitalization and Sustainability as Core Pillars
Prime Minister Chính underlined the essential role of digital transformation and green growth in shaping the future of Vietnamese tourism. The deployment of smart tourism ecosystems, eco-friendly technologies, and cashless payment systems is being prioritized.
Sustainable tourism models—such as eco-tourism, community-based travel, heritage exploration, and wellness tourism—will receive strong government backing, aligning Vietnam with global trends and environmentally conscious travelers.
A comprehensive implementation report is expected from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism by May 2025.
Boosting Accessibility and Connectivity
Infrastructure development will be central to tourism accessibility, with enhanced multimodal transport networks and upgraded airports, seaports, and terminals in major destinations. Coordination with the Ministry of Construction and local authorities is underway to improve connectivity between transport hubs and tourist sites. Progress reports are due by June and August 2025, respectively.
Flexible Visa Policies and Global Engagement
In a move to enhance international competitiveness, the government has directed relevant ministries to propose more open and flexible visa policies, including short-term visa exemptions and simplified entry procedures. Proposals are expected by the end of April 2025.
Incentives are being considered for priority groups, including scientists, investors, artists, elite athletes, and billionaires traveling for tourism or global cooperation programmes.
