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Vietnam’s Booming Sector Hits Global Record: Massive Influx from the U.S., China, and Russia Surges 173%

Vietnam's remarkable sector has just achieved the highest global record.

21 October, 2025

A foreign tourist receives a Vietnamese flag from locals ahead of the 80th National Day celebrations on September 2nd. Photo: Văn Hóa Newspaper

This pertains to the tourism sector.

The information was shared during a seminar on strategies to attract CIS tourists to Da Nang on October 17th.

Specifically, according to Mr. Nguyễn Trùng Khánh, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in the first nine months of this year, Vietnam welcomed over 15.4 million international visitors, a 21.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Among these, the CIS market (Commonwealth of Independent States) has emerged as a promising and stable source, contributing nearly 500,000 visitors.

Mr. Nguyễn Trùng Khánh noted that Vietnam, alongside Japan, has achieved a remarkable tourism rebound, with a 21% growth rate in the first nine months.

According to the Director, while global tourism growth stands at 5% and Asia at 1%, Vietnam’s 21% growth is the highest worldwide. This is a significant achievement.

Notably, the Russian market has seen a rapid 173% growth in the past nine months, driven by visa exemptions and effective promotional campaigns in Russia.

The Director highlighted that Vietnam’s coastal cities, including Da Nang, are becoming attractive destinations for CIS tourists due to their proximity, friendly relations, favorable visa policies, and growing demand for beach vacations.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is collaborating with local authorities in Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Phu Quoc, and others to develop tourism products tailored to CIS visitors’ preferences and cultural needs.

At the seminar, Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism acknowledged CIS as a key international market, with over 250,000 visitors in the first nine months. In 2026, direct flights from Russia and CIS countries to Da Nang are expected to increase to 70 monthly, bringing nearly 10,000 visitors per month.

Russia Among Top 10 Tourism Markets for Vietnam

Numerous Russian tourists visited Vietnam in the first nine months of 2025. Photo: VOV

Earlier, on October 6th, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism reported that in September 2025, Vietnam welcomed nearly 1.52 million international visitors, a 19.5% increase from September 2024. Cumulatively, 15.4 million international visitors arrived in the first nine months, up 21.5% year-on-year.

China and South Korea remain the largest source markets, contributing nearly half of all international visitors. China leads with 3.9 million visitors (25.2%), followed by South Korea with 3.2 million (21%).

Taiwan (China) ranks third with 926,000 visitors, the U.S. fourth with 623,000, and Japan fifth with 618,000.

Other top markets include India (505,000), Cambodia (490,000), Russia (435,000), Malaysia (405,000), and Australia (401,000).

Notably, India’s 42.9% growth has elevated it to the sixth position, while Russia remains Europe’s top contributor with a 173% increase.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has successfully promoted Vietnamese tourism in Russia, Japan, Italy, and South Korea. With relaxed visa policies, the sector anticipates continued growth in international arrivals in Q4 2025, aiming to meet the target of 25 million visitors.