Vietnam aims for double-digit economic growth with tourism boost
The official dispatch builds on the Politburo’s directive to make tourism a spearhead economic sector, with the PM’s directions already delivering notable success. Tourism has become a bright spot in Vietnam’s post-COVID-19 recovery, it said.
Tourists visit Tra Su forest in Tinh Bien township, the southern province of An Giang. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)💎 - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 10 signed for issuance of an official dispatch outlining a plan to accelerate tourism development, aiming to drive double-digit economic growth.
The official dispatch builds on the Politburo’s directive to make tourism a spearhead economic sector, with the PM’s directions already delivering notable success. Tourism has become a bright spot in Vietnam’s post-COVID-19 recovery, it said.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has been tasked with leading this effort. Priorities include launching the tourism stimulus programme for this year and beyond, diversifying and improving tourism products and services, accelerating digital transformation and green transition in tourism development, collaborating with the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to enhance accessibility and convenience for tourists.
It was also asked to partner with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to leverage Vietnam’s diplomatic missions for tourism promotion, urge tourism companies to establish overseas offices and tap the overseas Vietnamese community to expand markets.
Foreign tourists enjoy a painting service in Nguyen Van Binh book street in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)
Other specific tasks were also assigned to relevant ministries, heads of the ministry-level and government agencies, the National Tourism Steering Committee, and chairpersons of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities.
Vietnam welcomed 17.6 million foreign visitors last year, a 39% annual surge, generating 840 trillion VND (33.6 billion USD) in revenue, up 24%. The first quarter of 2025 set a record with over 6 million foreign tourist arrivals, a 29.6% year-on-year rise.
This year, the sector expects to welcome 22-23 million foreign visitors and serve 130 million domestic travellers, with 12-13% revenue growth./.
“Strong trade, a recovery in export manufacturing, and robust foreign direct investment fueled Vietnam’s economic growth in 2024,” said ADB Country Director for Vietnam Shantanu Chakraborty as quoted by the bank in its related news release.
Michael Kokalari, Chief Economist at VinaCapital, described the April 2 announcement of ‘reciprocal tariffs’ as “completely unexpected”. “Based on our analysis, these tariffs will make it difficult for Vietnam to achieve its 8% GDP growth target,” he said.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised that Vietnam will not change its target of achieving economic growth of 8% or higher this year, while simultaneously maintaining macroeconomic stability, ensuring social welfare, and improving people's livelihoods.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
