Vietnam’s tourism industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past several years, establishing itself as a significant contributor to the country’s economy. This article delves into the latest statistics, the growth trajectory, and the strategic goals that position Vietnam as a potential tourism superpower in Southeast Asia.

Latest Statistics

In 2023, Vietnam welcomed approximately 12.6 million international visitors. The majority of these tourists hailed from East Asian countries, with South Korea and China being the largest sources. On average, international tourists spent around $673 per traveler, significantly higher than the $61 spent by domestic tourists. The average length of stay for international visitors was around 9.5 days.

Growth Over the Years

Vietnam’s tourism sector has shown impressive growth, even amidst global challenges. In 2019, the tourism industry contributed 12% to the country’s GDP. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing a temporary decline, the sector rebounded strongly with a 175% increase in tourism revenue in 2022. By 2024, the projected revenue in the travel and tourism market is estimated to reach $3.647 billion, with an annual growth rate of 5.61% from 2024 to 2028.

Strategic Goals and Future Prospects

The Vietnamese government has laid out an ambitious tourism development strategy aimed at making Vietnam a leading travel destination. Key elements of this strategy include:

1. E-Visa Implementation: Starting from August 15, 2023, Vietnam introduced a 3-month e-visa for all countries and extended the residence duration to 45 days for citizens from 13 specific countries.
2. Digital Transformation: The government is accelerating digital transformation activities, such as the national tourism app – Vietnam Travel, and the Viet Card, to enhance the tourist experience.
3. Sustainable Tourism: Emphasis is placed on sustainable tourism practices and infrastructure development to ensure long-term growth.
4. Cultural Tourism: Developing cultural tourism by preserving and promoting the values of heritage and national cultural identity.

By 2025, Vietnam aims to be among the top three countries in tourism development in Southeast Asia, with a target of receiving 35 million international visitors and 120 million domestic visitors. The total revenue from tourists is projected to reach $77-80 billion, with the tourism sector contributing 12-14% to GDP. By 2030, Vietnam aspires to be one of the top 30 countries with the world’s leading tourism competitiveness.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s tourism industry is on a robust growth trajectory, driven by strategic initiatives and a focus on sustainable development. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and proactive government policies, Vietnam is well on its way to becoming a tourism superpower in Southeast Asia, potentially rivaling Thailand in the near future.

The data in this article is sourced from various reputable sources, including Statista, McKinsey, CEIC, and AsemconnectVietnam. These sources provide comprehensive statistics and insights into Vietnam’s tourism industry, its growth, and future prospects.