Hanoi (VNA) 🧸– Vietnam's tourism industry is on track to achieve a milestone of welcoming 17 million foreign visitors by the end of this year, according to experts.

Over the past nine months, foreign tourist arrivals have shown robust growth, with almost markets fully recovering and some even surpassing 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

Which milestone could tourism industry reach?

This positive trajectory is attributed to a series of effective promotion programmes launched by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in key markets such as Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the Republic of Korea (RoK). Notably, the first-ever tourism and film promotion event held in the US has made a significant impact. With the momentum from relaxed visa policies and ongoing promotional efforts, the final quarter of 2024 is expected to see a surge in international arrivals. This growth raises hope that the sector will meet its target of welcoming 17-18 million foreign visitors by year-end. Data from the General Statistics Office (GSO) revealed Vietnam welcomed over 12.7 million foreigners in the first nine months. To reach the annual target of 18 million, the country needs to attract nearly 5.3 million more visitors in the remaining three months, averaging over 1.76 million per month. Dinh Thi Thuy Phuong, Director of the GSO’s Trade and Service Statistics Department, remains optimistic. She noted that the fourth quarter is traditionally the peak season for international tourism, making the goal of 17 million attainable, provided there are no unforeseen setbacks at home and abroad.

Solutions for year-end growth

To accelerate growth in the remaining months, Phuong has outlined three critical strategies. First, improving visa policies is essential, particularly by expanding the list of countries eligible for unilateral visa exemptions. Second, fostering a coordinated mechanism between the transportation and hospitality sectors will ensure a seamless experience for tourists. Third, exploring new tourist markets and embracing modern technology, including artificial intelligence and digital transformation, will diversify and enhance the quality of tourism products, especially those that showcase Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. Moreover, encouraging foreign tourists to spend more and extend their stays will significantly boost tourism revenue.

However, the path to success is not without its challenges. Tourism companies are facing hurdles related to market access, capital, and legal frameworks. Cumbersome regulations, administrative procedures, and technical standards pose significant obstacles. They must also adapt to new green standards and environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, which demand substantial investment. With compliance timelines tightening, many countries are expected to apply these standards starting in 2026. Despite these hurdles, experts remain confident in Vietnam's tourism potential. With strategic planning and sustainable tourism development that harmonises economic growth with environment protection and cultural preservation, Vietnam is well-positioned to achieve its goal of 17 million foreign arrivals by the end of this year./.