Vietnam witnessed a significant surge in international visitor arrivals during October and November 2024, with numbers surpassing 3.1 million. This positive trend bodes well for the country’s tourism industry as it strives toward ambitious goals for 2025.
According to statistics from the General Statistics Office, Vietnam welcomed approximately 1.42 million international visitors in October 2024, marking a 27.6% increase compared to the same period last year. November 2024 saw an even more remarkable rise, with over 1.7 million foreign tourists, representing a 38.8% year-on-year increase.
Cumulatively, from January to November 2024, Vietnam hosted over 15.8 million international visitors, reflecting a notable 41.0% increase year-on-year.
Vietnam’s tourism industry experiences a surge in international arrivals during the year-end period. (Illustrative image: Danangsensetravel)
Mr. Pham Duy Nghia, CEO of Vietfoot Travel, attributed the significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals to Vietnam’s peak season for international tourism, which typically spans from October of one year to March of the next.
“The Western countries are currently experiencing winter, prompting travelers to seek warmer climates in tropical destinations like Vietnam. It is common to witness a sudden surge in international arrivals to Vietnam during this period,” shared Mr. Nghia.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tran The Dung, CEO of Vietluxtour, expressed optimism about Vietnam achieving its target of welcoming 17-18 million international visitors in 2024 and the potential to set even higher goals for 2025.
“Since October, Vietluxtour has witnessed a threefold increase in tourist arrivals. Hence, the industry’s goal of attracting approximately 1.9 million visitors each month is well within reach during this peak season. I predict we will achieve this target or come very close to it,” stated Mr. Dung.
The CEO of Vietluxtour further elaborated on Vietnam’s prospects for 2025, highlighting that the country will have the opportunity to attract a significant number of international tourists as Russia and several Eastern European countries move past their current political instability.
“Vietnam boasts a lengthy coastline, a diverse culture, delectable cuisine, favorable climate, and excellent infrastructure. In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as a safe and politically stable destination, attracting new tourism markets such as India and South Korea. We can confidently set more ambitious goals for international visitor arrivals and make the necessary preparations,” asserted the CEO of Vietluxtour.
International visitors to Vietnam. (Photo: Ngo Tran)
As per the plans outlined, Vietnam aspires to become a highly attractive destination with a robust tourism development capacity by 2025.
Specifically, by 2025, Vietnam aims to welcome 25-28 million international visitors and 130 million domestic tourists, maintaining an annual growth rate of 8-9% for domestic tourism. Looking ahead to 2030, the targets become more ambitious, with expectations of attracting 35 million international visitors at a growth rate of 13-15% per year and 160 million domestic tourists, growing at a rate of 4-5% annually.
In terms of economic impact, the tourism industry is projected to contribute directly to 8-9% of GDP by 2025 and reach 13-14% by 2030.
By 2045, tourism is envisioned to play a pivotal role in Vietnam’s economy. The country aims to become a prominent global destination and a leading tourism hub in the Asia-Pacific region. The industry sets its sights on welcoming 70 million international visitors, generating approximately 7.3 billion VND in total revenue, and contributing a substantial 17-18% to the country’s GDP.
