HANOI – Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in international travel. As of 2024, the country received approximately 17.5 million international arrivals, overtaking Singapore to become Southeast Asia’s third-most-visited destination—behind Thailand (35 million) and Malaysia (25 million). Remarkably, Vietnam has reclaimed 98 % of its pre-pandemic tourism activity—the fastest recovery in the region compared to Thailand (87.5 %) and Singapore (86 %).
In the first half of 2025, arrivals surged by approximately 10.7 million, marking a 21 % year-over-year increase. June alone welcomed 1.46 million visitors—a 17 % rise from June 2024.
Momentum Fuelled by Strategic Initiatives
Several key factors are driving Vietnam’s tourism escalation:
- Expanded flight network: New direct air links, including Vietnam Airlines’ inaugural Hanoi–Milan and Hanoi–Chengdu routes launched in July, along with the 2021 opening of the San Francisco–Ho Chi Minh City route, have greatly enhanced access.
- Visa liberalization: The 2023 e‑visa policy now permits up to 90-day stays, and travelers from 16 countries, including Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain, enjoy visa-free entry.
- Infrastructure upgrades: The surge of luxury hotels on less-crowded islands and Vietnam’s appealing cost-to-value ratio are attracting Millennials and Gen Z seeking premium experiences .
Global Outlook and BCG Insights
A report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), drawing on a survey of 5,000 travelers cited by Bloomberg, forecasts that global international travel spending will triple from USD 5 trillion to about USD 15 trillion by 2040 . BCG underlines that emerging markets—China, India, Saudi Arabia, and notably Vietnam—are on track to eclipse traditional tourism giants like the U.S., U.K., and Germany.
Lara Koslow of BCG highlights an experiential shift: “Travelers…value meaningful, personalized journeys that immerse them in new cultures and environments,” spurring demand for luxury, adventure, ecotourism, and wellness-focused holidays.
Long Thanh Airport: Gateway to Growth
A cornerstone of Vietnam’s tourism strategy is the Long Thanh International Airport project:
- Runway 1 was completed ahead of schedule in April 2025, allowing for imminent test flights.
- The terminal and key infrastructure are set for substantial completion by December 31, 2025, with commercial operations planned for the first half of 2026.
- Lawmakers have revised the deadline to end of 2026, adding a second runway to Phase 1 and targeting first landings by July 2025.
However, connectivity remains a concern: travel time from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh currently ranges from two to five hours due to inadequate road, rail, and metro links. Experts urge multimodal transport integration—high-speed rail, highways, waterways, metro—and transit-oriented development around the airport.
Facing Global Headwinds
Despite strong forecasts, organizations like the World Travel & Tourism Council warn of looming risks: geopolitical tensions, trade wars, climate change, and other disruptions could impact airline and cruise connectivity—especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East .
Outlook: Scaling New Heights
- 2025 goals: Vietnam aims for 23 million international arrivals this year, representing a 31 % uplift on 2024.
- 2026 ambitions: With Long Thanh fully operational, arrivals are expected to surpass 25 million within a year.
Transitioning from a regional tourism player to a global contender.
Vietnam is transitioning from a regional tourism player to a global contender. With strategic visa reforms, a broadened route network, and the upcoming Long Thanh Airport, the country is on course to exceed 25 million tourists by 2026. However, to cement this ascent, urgent infrastructure cohesion and resilience planning against external shocks are critical.
Through bold moves and measured progress, Vietnam is crafting a modern tourism narrative — one defined by ambitious infrastructure, evolving traveler preferences, and resilient growth strategies. (zai) Photo: AT/hz