This is a significant move, according to tourism businesses and experts who spoke to Nguoi Lao Dong reporters on August 10, regarding the new visa waiver policy for special foreign nationals recently issued by the government.
A chance to attract billionaire and superstar football players
The Vietnamese government has recently issued Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP, dated August 8, 2025, which grants visa exemptions to foreign nationals in special categories who are deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
This includes investors, leaders of large corporations, and top executives of the world’s 100 largest companies by market capitalization, as recognized by reputable international organizations.
Individuals with positive influence in the fields of culture, arts, sports, and tourism are also eligible for this visa waiver. For superstar football players ranked among the top 100 globally by reputable international organizations and invited to play or engage in exchanges by professional football clubs in Vietnam, the visa exemption is valid for up to five years.
 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and NVIDIA Chairman Jensen Huang visit Ho Guom and Hanoi’s Old Quarter in late 2024. Mr. Huang was in Vietnam to initiate collaboration programs in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
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Mr. Tran Tuong Huy, Vice Director of the Institute for Social Tourism Research, believes that Vietnam has immense potential to become a top destination for global elite travelers. He suggests that the country’s unique natural and cultural assets, diverse cuisine, skilled artisans, competitive costs, and stable political security—a top priority for the super-rich—can be leveraged to develop the industry.
To successfully attract this high-value market segment, Mr. Huy recommends a comprehensive, long-term strategic approach. This includes policy innovation, personalized and customized product development, enhanced service quality, targeted marketing, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. He proposes positioning Vietnam as “Asia’s Luxury Destination” or “Vietnam Luxury of Asia,” emphasizing uniqueness and privacy.
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By positioning itself as “Vietnam – The Pristine and Luxurious Destination” on the global map of ultra-luxury travel, the country can expect a tenfold to fifteenfold increase in average spending by international visitors. This will also create a positive spillover effect for the nation’s brand. |
“Creating super-luxury, personalized travel experiences and developing 1-2 iconic international-standard luxury tourism products are key. We need to develop 6-7 star resorts and hotels with unique architecture and locations, offering private jets, seaplanes, and helicopters to transport guests directly to the resorts. Providing luxurious yacht marinas, customized tour programs based on guests’ personal interests and cultural preferences, and ensuring they have singular experiences—these are essential,” emphasized Mr. Huy.
Vietnam’s tourism industry needs to create “exclusive” experiences
Ms. Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, Deputy General Director of Vietravel, agrees that the key to attracting this exclusive clientele is offering emotional and exclusive experiences. She points out that billionaire tourists do not buy ordinary tours; they seek experiences that no one else can provide. Vietnam needs to offer “one-of-a-kind” products and experiences, such as private beach villas, private islands, ultra-luxury yachts, and unique resorts like those in Van Don, Nam Du, or the secluded villas of Phu Quoc.
“Design tours that are 100% tailored to the client’s preferences, from private chefs with Michelin stars to photo safaris with international photographers. Offer unique experiences like helicopter rides over Ha Long Bay at sunrise, dinners atop Fansipan with renowned chefs, or exclusive night tours of heritage sites,” suggested Ms. Hoang.
 A resort in Danang hosts legendary Manchester United players. Photo: Bich Van |
To attract more ultra-high-net-worth individuals, superstar football players, and the like, experts and businesses suggest that Vietnam needs to improve its infrastructure and services to meet international standards and expectations. This includes VIP airport services and separate immigration channels in Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, and Cam Ranh. Additionally, yacht and supercar owners should have access to private docks and customs procedures. Ensuring absolute privacy and security, while making guests feel both free and safe, is crucial.
Thai Phuong
– 12:24 10/08/2025
“Vietnam Waives Visa Requirements for Top 100 Global Business Executives”
The leaders of corporations and enterprises featured in the annual list of the top 100 companies with the largest market capitalization globally, as published by reputable international organizations, will be eligible for a visa exemption for up to 5 years, according to Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP by the Vietnamese government.
Over 1.5 Million International Arrivals to Vietnam in July
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has released its report on the country’s tourism performance for July 2025. The figures are impressive: Vietnam welcomed 1,562,588 international arrivals in July, marking a 7% increase from June 2025 and a significant 35.7% surge compared to the same period in 2024.
“Vietnam’s Record-Breaking Streak: A Seven-Month Wonder with a Cambodian Twist”
This record is a positive sign for a vital sector of the Vietnamese economy.
The Province Welcomes 4,500 Tourists: An Unprecedented Record-Breaking Event for the Indian Billionaire’s Group.
For the first 11 months of the year, Ninh Binh welcomed approximately 1 million international arrivals, a remarkable surge of nearly 2.7 times compared to the same period last year. This unprecedented achievement solidifies Ninh Binh’s position as a burgeoning tourist destination in Vietnam, showcasing its allure to a global audience.
The Smallest City in Vietnam Earns Over 17 Trillion VND from Tourism
By 2025, the locality aims to generate 21 trillion VND from tourism.
