Despite the complex economic and geopolitical fluctuations in the past, the tourism industry has proven its resilience. Recent figures released by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) revealed that there were 1.3 billion international tourist arrivals in 2023, equivalent to 88% of pre-COVID-19 levels in 2019.
International tourism revenue reached $1.4 trillion, with Vietnam aiming for a peak in 2024
UNWTO data also highlighted the importance of the tourism industry to the global economy. International tourism revenue reached approximately $1.4 trillion. This recovery has had a significant impact on the economy and the global job market.
In Vietnam, tourism has been recognized as one of the critical “catalysts” driving economic growth. According to the latest figures released by Vietnam’s National Tourism Administration, the total number of international tourist arrivals in Vietnam in the first ten months of 2024 exceeded 14.1 million, an increase of 41.3% compared to the same period in 2023. This indicates the positive and robust growth of the tourism industry.
Especially in September 2024, despite a decrease of 11.9% compared to August due to the impact of Super Typhoon Yagi, Vietnam still welcomed nearly 1.3 million international visitors. With the current growth rate and synchronized policies, Vietnam is well on its way to achieving its goal of welcoming 17-18 million international visitors in 2024.
From the perspective of an industry insider, Mr. Pham Ha, Chairman of LuxGroup, shared: “The Vietnamese tourism industry in recent years has truly become a bright spot, making important contributions to the country’s GDP and leaving a strong impression on the global tourism map. With its diverse culture, rich natural heritage, and unique cuisine, Vietnam has affirmed its position as an attractive destination for international tourists.”
“Currently, the industry’s recovery is quite positive, especially after the pandemic. The number of international visitors has gradually increased thanks to tourism stimulus policies, the expansion of electronic visas, and innovations in tourism products and services.”
The general objective of the tourism development plan by 2025 is for Vietnam to become an attractive destination with a high tourism development capacity worldwide. By 2030, tourism is expected to become a key economic sector, developing towards green growth, and becoming a leading tourism destination globally.
According to the plan, by 2025, tourism is expected to create about 6.3 million jobs, including approximately 2.1 million direct jobs. By 2030, it aims to generate around 10.5 million jobs, with about 3.5 million direct jobs. Vietnam aims to contribute directly 8-9% to GDP by 2025 and increase this contribution to 13-14% by 2030.
Businesses seize opportunities: A look at the “heritage cruise ships” that resumed operations earliest after being “sunk” by Typhoon Yagi
Photo: LuxGroup was one of the units directly affected by Typhoon Yagi.
Seizing this opportunity, LuxGroup, according to Mr. Ha, has been utilizing this recovery period to strengthen its development strategies and product innovations. LuxGroup is known for providing luxury tourism services with its heritage cruise ships under the Lux Cruises brand, operating in Ha Long, Lan Ha, and Nha Trang bays.
LuxGroup was also one of the units directly impacted by Typhoon Yagi. “I was very worried about our assets worth hundreds of billions floating on the sea,” Mr. Ha recalled. After the storm, the company assessed the damage, which included two sunken overnight cruise ships (Emperor Cruises Legacy Halong and Heritage Binh Chuan), two canoes destroyed by huge waves, and other essential vessels like Heritage Express and Speedboat also submerged.
The group immediately started restoration work to prepare for the year-end tourism peak season. It is noteworthy that LuxGroup’s vessels were among the first to resume operations in the region after the typhoon. According to Mr. Pham Ha, this swift recovery can be attributed to the company’s culture.
“Lux Cruises Group immediately provided information about the damage, confirming no casualties. We quickly informed our customers about the recovery timeline and assured them that insurance procedures and damage restoration were effectively handled. All information and messages, both internally and externally, were communicated by a single spokesperson, the Chairman of LuxGroup, ensuring accuracy and consistency,” said Mr. Ha.
In 2024, LuxGroup aims for sustainable growth, focusing on achieving Net Zero goals by 2025. So far, the group has achieved impressive results, with a 30% growth in revenue compared to 2023. This affirms the recovery and dedication of the entire LuxGroup team in maintaining its pioneering position in the premium tourism market.
Photo: Chairman of LuxGroup, Mr. Pham Ha – Building a tourism business from a computer, a car, and self-coded website.
In the tourism industry, the journey of the founder of LuxGroup is an inspiring story. Mr. Ha is known to have ventured into various fields before entering the tourism industry. Notably, he was a teacher for a short period, then worked as an interpreter, and even in film production before becoming a “tour guide” specializing in adventure tourism for French tourists at the renowned Buffalo Tours travel company.
“At the adventure tourism company, I took on various roles, from tour guide, operator, to head of sales and marketing. I completed my studies in English and business administration before deciding to establish my own enterprise on March 11, 2005,” Mr. Ha shared.
When he started his own business in 2004, Mr. Ha had only a computer connected to the Internet and $1,000. “We only had one office, one computer, and one nice car. However, we had a big dream – to elevate Vietnamese tourism and realize the dream of ‘Made in Vietnam’ cruise ships on the high seas,” he said.
According to him, tourism is not just about guiding visitors to a destination but also about creating novel experiences that leave lasting memories for global travelers. And the name “Lux” (short for “luxury”) implies the company’s target customer segment, serving high-end customers willing to pay for unique and non-conformist tourism experiences.
The Conundrum of Vietnam’s Tourism Workforce: A Tale of Surplus and Scarcity
The success of the tourism industry hinges on a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Merely meeting the numbers is not enough; investing in the development of a high-quality tourism workforce is imperative for the growth of Vietnam’s tourism sector.
Why Are Over 200 European Billionaires Heading to Vietnam’s Top-Growing Province?
In January 2025, a province in Vietnam is set to welcome over 80,000 visitors, including more than 200 billionaires from Europe. This influx of high-net-worth individuals presents a unique opportunity for the province to showcase its cultural and natural offerings to a global audience. With such a diverse range of visitors, the province has the chance to establish itself as a premier destination, offering a wealth of experiences that cater to a variety of interests and lifestyles. The upcoming event highlights the province’s growing appeal and its potential to captivate and enchant visitors from all walks of life.
The Internet Is Still Fuming Over the Inflated Price Charged to Popular Streamer IshowSpeed for a Self-Balancing Scooter Rental at a Pedestrian Street.
Although the two individuals accused of overcharging a well-known streamer, IShowSpeed, have been questioned by local authorities, the online community remains outraged. The incident has sparked widespread anger, with many believing that such actions tarnish the reputation of Vietnamese people.
The Big Spenders: Unveiling the Top Tourist Hotspots for National Day Celebrations with Daily Revenues of 500-600 Billion VND
The country witnessed a record-breaking tourism revenue during the National Day holiday on September 2nd. A multitude of provinces and cities across the nation reported a significant boost in their tourism income, showcasing the thriving domestic travel industry.
