8:48:07 AM | 12/31/2024
2024 marks a strong leap for Vietnam's tourism, achieving impressive growth in visitors and a record VND840 trillion in revenue. Building on this success, the sector is carrying out many innovative policies and plans, targeting 20 million international arrivals in 2025.
Vietnam is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for international tourists
Renewed recovery, development promotion
International visitor arrivals to Vietnam in 2024 were estimated to rise 38.9% year on year to 17.5 million and domestic visitors looked up 1.6% to 110 million. Total tourism revenue was up 23.8% to about VND840 trillion. These results affirmed the important role of tourism in the economy in line with the goal of developing it into a spearhead economic sector according to Resolution 08-NQ/TW of the Politburo.
Reporting on the implementation results in 2024, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said, in 2024, authorities issued a series of important policies such as Official Dispatch 06/CD-TTg on improving the effect of tourism statistics, Directive 08/CT-TTg on comprehensive tourism development and the Tourism System Planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2045. Moreover, the industry has developed many projects like the tourism promotion offices in Laos and other countries, the tourism database system, and assessment criteria for the national digital platform.
Institutional improvements have eased business difficulties, enhanced regional linkages, and fostered conditions for sustainable tourism growth. Notably, the designation of Con Dao and Moc Chau as national tourist areas has elevated their appeal, drawing increased visitor interest.
According to the report of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the quality of tourism services and infrastructure in 2024 has been improved. Accommodation facilities continued to be improved, with 148 decisions on 4- and 5-star recognitions. Currently, Vietnam has 274 5-star facilities and 380 4-star facilities to meet the growing demand of domestic and foreign tourists.
In tourism, business assessment and licensing have also been stepped up, ensuring compliance with legal regulations and service quality. Inspections in major localities like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Kien Giang and Can Tho have helped improve the tourism business environment and boost tourist satisfaction.
Promotional and advertising efforts in international markets have been expanded. The tourism sector has launched innovative campaigns and organized roadshows in key markets, including Germany, France, the US, China and South Korea. The UN International Conference on Rural Tourism, the National Food Festival and other events not only foster culture but also create opportunities for international tourism cooperation.
Digital application in management and promotion, such as upgrading the Vietnam Travel platform and the electronic ticket system, has brought more convenient and modern experiences to tourists.
Vietnam is home to many stunning attractions
Toward sustainable development in 2025
Despite many achievements, the tourism industry has still faced challenges in human resources, infrastructure and international competition. To overcome these challenges, according to tourism experts, Vietnam needs to focus on training high-quality human resources, investing in infrastructure and developing competitive pricing policies.
Speaking at the review conference on culture-sports-tourism sector, Minister Nguyen Van Hung said that the ministry will focus on arranging and streamlining the organizational apparatus and stabilizing post-rearranged operations; continue advising on the comprehensive and timely policy institutionalization regarding culture, sports and tourism and Constitution 2013; continue to focus on preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, core values and unique identities of Vietnamese people. The sector will strive to welcome and serve 22-23 million international tourists and 120-130 million domestic visitors in 2025 and make total tourism revenue of VND980-1,050 trillion.
To achieve this goal, support policies will focus on developing high-quality tourism products, boosting regional connectivity and promoting local cultural advantages.
Sustainable tourism development continues to be the core with enhanced resource conservation, community tourism development and green tourism ecosystem. Such projects as community tourism development and technology application in tourism management will help improve sectoral performance and mitigate environmental impacts.
Vietnam will strengthen cooperation with international organizations and expand potential markets in Europe, America and the Middle East. Organizing international events such as the 2024 APEC Ministerial Meeting or ASEAN Tourism Forum and Travel Expo (TRAVEX) will contribute to enhancing the country's image.
In addition, the coordination between localities, businesses and authorities will facilitate the development of unique products such as spiritual tourism in Ninh Binh, maritime tourism in Da Nang and Con Dao, or eco-tourism in Moc Chau.
2024 laid a strong foundation for Vietnamese tourism, and with the right direction, 2025 is expected to be a breakout year, positioning Vietnam as a leading destination in the region.
By Thu Huyen, Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
