Hanoi (VNA)ꩵ - During the national holidays on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification from April 30 to May 4, Vietnam's tourism sector experienced a remarkable surge in both visitor numbers and revenue.

The country welcomed approximately 10.5 million domestic and international tourists, marking a 31.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024 According to the National Tourism Administration, the five-day holiday period marked the highest volume of tourists since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ho Chi Minh City leads in tourism recovery

Data from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) reveals that most key tourist destinations across the country experienced a surge in visitor numbers ranging from 50% to 100% compared to the same period last year. In addition to Ho Chi Minh City that attracted nearly two million visitors, provinces reported visitor numbers exceeding one million, such as Thanh Hoa (1.6 million), Quang Ninh (over 1.1 million), and Khanh Hoa (over 1 million) also. Notably, Ho Chi Minh City, the host of the grand ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, welcomed 1.95 million visitors, doubled its revenue compared to the previous year, and recorded an unprecedented 95% hotel occupancy rate. In terms of revenue, the city topped the nation over the holiday, generating more than 7.1 trillion VND (273.41 million USD), with Thanh Hoa following in second place with close to 4.200 trillion VND. By comparison, during last year’s April 30–May 1 holidays, Thanh Hoa led the country in tourism revenue with over 3.8 trillion VND; Ho Chi Minh City ranked second with more than 3.2 trillion VND; and Hanoi was third with 2.5 trillion VND. Although Kien Giang did not feature among the provinces with the highest visitor numbers (300,000), it stood out as a bright spot with revenue nearing 1 trillion VND.

In the north, tourists favoured destinations such as Sa Pa (Lao Cai), Ha Long (Quang Ninh), Cat Ba (Hai Phong), Sam Son (Thanh Hoa), and Cua Lo (Nghe An). Central Vietnam saw visitors flocking to Ba Na Hills (Da Nang), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Mui Ne (Binh Thuan), Mang Den (Kon Tum), and Da Lat (Lam Dong). Meanwhile, in the south, the hottest spots were Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria–Vung Tau, and Phu Quoc (Kien Giang). Average nationwide hotel occupancy reached approximately 70%, with figures surpassing 80% on May 30 and 1. Coastal destinations and Ho Chi Minh City reported near full capacity, achieving occupancy rates of 90–95%. To accommodate travel demand during the holiday, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet increased late-night flights between 11pm and 5am by roughly 20%. Vietnam Airlines offered over 610,000 seats across more than 3,200 domestic flights, while Vietjet provided nearly 620,000 seats on around 500 domestic flights, increases of 35% and 29% respectively compared to last year. Photo: Young visitors exploring the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City during a meaningful holiday. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Safe and successful holidays

Industry leaders commended the five-day break, combined with a wide array of programmes, events, and festivals organised simultaneously by local authorities and businesses. Most destinations saw increased visitor numbers, longer stays, and higher revenues compared to the same period in 2024. Although the peak season for international visitors had passed, foreign arrivals maintained strong growth. Room prices and tourism service costs remained stable.

The growth in visitor numbers and the safe, quality tourism experiences over the holiday reflect several factors. The extended break enabled travellers to plan more effectively. The 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification generated strong appeal, particularly in southern destinations, and improved transport infrastructure eased travel. Visitor satisfaction improved, thanks to continuous innovation in tourism products and service quality by local authorities and businesses, alongside proactive management. Crucially, the April 30–May 1 holidays period saw no major safety or hygiene incidents. Food safety standards were upheld and no serious accidents or mishaps involving tourists were reported nationwide, according to the VNAT’s update on May 4. Nonetheless, authority officials noted some persistent issues, including localised traffic congestion at popular destinations and on highways leading into major cities at the beginning and end of the holiday. Service quality at some coastal destinations did not fully meet visitor expectations, hindered by overcrowding and a shortage of skilled personnel. Additionally, some hotels cancelled bookings made via online platforms or abruptly raised prices during peak periods, negatively impacting their reputations. During the holiday, the railway sector added extra trains from Hanoi to Da Nang, Dong Hoi, Hai Phong, Lao Cai, and from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, and Quy Nhon. Vietnam Railways Corporation also operated paired “Reunification Express” trains, aimed at promoting national pride, unity, creativity, and renewal among the country and Vietnamese enterprises. Inland waterway ports increased ferry services to islands such as Cu Lao Cham, Ly Son, Con Dao, Phu Quy, and Phu Quoc, serving both tourists and local residents. Notably, during the holiday, Quang Ninh welcomed nearly 1,700 Japanese visitors arriving in Ha Long Bay aboard a luxury superyacht./.