Vietnam's Tourism Boom in 2024

In the first five months of 2024, Vietnam’s tourism sector saw robust growth, with international arrivals reaching nearly 7.6 million, up 64.9% from last year and 3.9% from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Accommodation and food service revenues for the period are estimated at US$11.64 billion, up 15.1%, while travel services revenue is projected at US$950 million, a 45.1% increase year-on-year. Despite being the off-peak season, May alone saw a 51% increase in foreign tourists compared to last year. 

The Republic of Korea remains the largest source of tourists, followed by China, Taiwan, the US, and Japan. Asian visitors totaled 5.89 million, with 976,000 from Europe and 460,100 from the Americas. Indian arrivals surged by 294% compared to 2019, aided by the implementation of direct flights, while European interest in Vietnam grew significantly, ranking it third among favored Asian destinations. 

Several regions, including Khanh Hoa, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, Ha Noi, and Can Tho, reported significant increases in tourist arrivals. Quang Ninh expects to host over 17 million visitors this year, with 3 million coming from abroad. Ha Noi welcomed 11.55 million visitors in the first five months of 2024, marking a 14% year-on-year increase, including a 51.9% rise in foreign tourists.  

Sports tourism is emerging as one of the key drivers for the tourism industry, with a growing number of sporting events across the country. There are currently around 80 marathon events nationwide, featuring diverse distances and terrains. Local tournaments set against Vietnam’s scenic mountainous landscapes have become attractive draws for visitors, for example the Vietnam Ultra Marathon 2024 in Hoa Binh province hosted over 2,200 athletes from 38 countries. With strong national support and effective coordination between tourism and sports sectors, Vietnam is poised to host more international sporting events in the future. 

Technological advancements are also key to advancing Vietnam's tourism industry. Under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism's "Industry 4.0 Technology for Smart Tourism" project, Vietnam is building a smart tourism ecosystem to meet rising market demands. Localities are adopting technologies such as 3D guides, virtual travel assistants, 360-degree VR technology, and QR payments to attract digital-era visitors.  

Favorable visa policies, promotional programs, and intensified tourism efforts have played a critical role in the significant increase in international arrivals to Vietnam in 2024, setting the stage for sustained growth and development in this sector.