Vietnam Steps Up With Japan And More Countries In Welcoming Record Tourists As Seamless Entry And Cultural Renaissance Ignite Travel Boom

Written By: Srishty Mishra

Srishty Mishra

A passionate storyteller and emerging journalist, I am currently pursuing my Master’s in English at DU while diving deep into the world of journalism. With two years of practical experience, I have cultivated a knack for transforming ideas into engaging narratives that captivate readers. My journey blends academic insight with real-world reporting, allowing me to explore culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and informed lens. Committed to delivering fresh, authentic, and impactful content, I strive to make every story not just read, but truly experienced.

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September 10, 2026 09:47 GMT+5:30

Vietnam has become a part of Japan and other tourist destinations due to visa facilitations and cultural policies that have helped achieve record tourism growth. The country of Vietnam is at the dawn of a new era when it comes to the development of tourism as it has become a part of Japan and many other tourist destinations due to its visa facilitation and culture.

The country’s Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW has placed tourism at the centre of economic development, aiming to transform the sector into a leading economic pillar. Instead of focusing only on visitor numbers, Vietnam is targeting higher-spending travellers, longer stays, premium experiences and sustainable tourism growth.

Vietnam’s approach mirrors a wider global tourism movement in 2026, with countries including Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Spain and Portugal upgrading their tourism strategies through easier entry policies, cultural promotion, infrastructure investment and new visitor experiences.

Vietnam Accelerates Tourism Growth With Visa-Free Access And Cultural Experiences

Vietnam has placed seamless travel access at the centre of its tourism expansion strategy. The country has continued improving visa policies to attract more international visitors and strengthen competitiveness across Asia.

Vietnam currently provides expanded visa exemption arrangements and allows eligible visitors from additional markets to enjoy stays of up to 45 days, creating more opportunities for longer holidays and deeper cultural exploration.

The country has also expanded its electronic visa system, making entry easier for travellers worldwide. The policy shift is designed to remove barriers, encourage repeat visits and increase tourism spending.

Vietnam’s tourism growth is being supported by:

• Cultural heritage experiences.
• Luxury resorts.
• Beach destinations.
• Wellness tourism.
• Gastronomy.
• Nature-based travel.
• Community tourism.

The country’s ambition is to welcome 45–50 million international visitors by 2030, while increasing tourism revenue and strengthening its position as a competitive global destination.

Japan Expands High-Value Tourism Through Culture, Regional Discovery And Visitor Spending

Japan remains one of Vietnam’s closest competitors in Asia’s tourism race, but its strategy is focused on quality rather than quantity.

The country is promoting:

• Regional destinations beyond Tokyo and Kyoto.
• Traditional culture.
• Luxury accommodation.
• Gastronomy.
• Wellness experiences.
• Seasonal travel.

Japan is using its global cultural influence, including heritage, cuisine, anime, traditional arts and local experiences, to attract travellers seeking authentic experiences.

The country is also encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known regions to reduce pressure on popular destinations and distribute tourism income more widely.

Japan’s approach closely matches Vietnam’s strategy of moving from mass arrivals towards a higher-value tourism economy.

China Strengthens Tourism Consumption With Easier Entry And Global Visitor Attraction

China is rebuilding its international tourism sector through improved travel access, stronger tourism consumption and cultural promotion.

The country is expanding:

• Visa facilitation.
• International visitor services.
• Heritage tourism.
• Domestic tourism consumption.
• Smart tourism experiences.

China’s tourism strategy focuses on turning travel into a stronger economic driver by encouraging visitors to explore cultural cities, natural landscapes and historic destinations.

Major tourism areas receiving attention include:

• Beijing’s heritage attractions.
• Shanghai’s urban experiences.
• Scenic regions such as Guilin.
• Cultural destinations across western China.

China’s approach demonstrates the growing competition among Asian destinations to attract international travellers through convenience and cultural uniqueness.

Saudi Arabia Creates A New Tourism Powerhouse Through Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the world’s largest tourism investors.

Through Vision 2030, the country is transforming tourism into a major economic sector by developing:

• Luxury resorts.
• Heritage destinations.
• Entertainment attractions.
• Religious tourism.
• Desert experiences.

Major developments include:

Saudi Arabia’s strategy is similar to Vietnam’s because both countries are using tourism as a tool for economic diversification.

India Boosts Tourism Through Heritage, Spiritual And Wellness Experiences

India is strengthening tourism growth in 2026 by promoting its cultural diversity and expanding connectivity.

The country is focusing on:

• Spiritual tourism.
• Buddhist circuits.
• Heritage destinations.
• Wellness travel.
• Cruise tourism.
• Adventure tourism.

India’s tourism strategy is built around using its historical landmarks, traditions and cultural diversity to attract global travellers.

Key growth areas include:

• Uttar Pradesh spiritual destinations.
• Rajasthan heritage tourism.
• Kerala wellness tourism.
• Himalayan adventure travel.
• Buddhist pilgrimage routes.

India’s large domestic tourism market also provides a strong foundation for international tourism expansion.

Thailand Shifts Towards Premium Tourism With Wellness And Lifestyle Travel

Thailand is moving beyond traditional mass tourism by focusing on higher-value experiences.

The country is promoting:

• Medical tourism.
• Wellness retreats.
• Luxury resorts.
• Digital nomad travel.
• Sustainable tourism.

Popular destinations such as:

• Phuket.
• Bangkok.
• Chiang Mai.
• Krabi.
• Koh Samui.

are being developed with stronger premium tourism offerings.

Thailand’s strategy reflects a regional trend where Southeast Asian countries compete not only for more visitors but also for greater tourism spending.

Indonesia Uses Nature, Culture And Digital Innovation To Expand Tourism

Indonesia is strengthening tourism through sustainable destination development.

The country is promoting:

• Eco-tourism.
• Marine tourism.
• Cultural experiences.
• Digital tourism services.

Major destinations include:

Indonesia is focusing on spreading visitors beyond Bali and creating new tourism centres.

Spain Builds A Balanced Tourism Model Beyond Traditional Hotspots

Spain is strengthening tourism by promoting lesser-known destinations and encouraging more balanced visitor distribution.

The country is focusing on:

• Rural tourism.
• Cultural routes.
• Nature experiences.
• Sustainable travel.

Spain’s tourism model aims to increase economic benefits while reducing pressure on overcrowded destinations.

Growth areas include:

• Inland Spain.
• Heritage towns.
• Wine regions.
• Nature destinations.

Portugal Promotes Sustainable Tourism And Regional Experiences

Portugal continues to expand tourism through a sustainability-focused approach.

The country is encouraging travellers to explore beyond Lisbon and Porto by promoting:

• Rural communities.
• Coastal landscapes.
• Cultural heritage.
• Nature experiences.

Portugal’s strategy focuses on maintaining tourism growth while protecting local communities and natural resources.

Global Tourism Competition Intensifies As Countries Chase High-Spending Travellers

Vietnam’s tourism transformation reflects a wider global shift in 2026.

Countries are increasingly competing through:

• Easier entry policies.
• Cultural experiences.
• Digital travel solutions.
• Premium tourism products.
• Sustainable development.
• Better connectivity.

The future tourism battle is no longer only about welcoming millions of visitors. It is about creating memorable experiences that encourage longer stays, higher spending and stronger destination loyalty.

Vietnam along with Japan and others is now recording record tourist numbers through a combination of seamless entry policies and innovation in tourism development.

The Vietnam-Japan scenario and others, therefore, marks a new era of tourism growth based on seamless entry and unique cultures that attract tourists from across the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Vietnam becoming one of Asia’s fastest-growing tourism destinations in 2026?

Vietnam is gaining global attention due to easier entry policies, cultural tourism promotion, improved connectivity, digital transformation and its focus on attracting higher-spending international travellers.

2. How are visa-free entry policies helping Vietnam and other countries boost tourism?

Visa-free and simplified entry policies reduce travel barriers, encourage longer stays, attract new visitor markets and increase tourism spending by making destinations more accessible.

3. What makes Vietnam’s tourism strategy different in 2026?

Vietnam is shifting from a visitor-volume approach towards a value-driven tourism model focused on premium experiences, cultural heritage, sustainability, wellness, nature tourism and higher visitor spending.

4. How is Japan strengthening its tourism growth alongside Vietnam?

Japan is attracting more international travellers by promoting regional destinations, traditional culture, luxury travel experiences, gastronomy and authentic local experiences beyond major cities.

5. Which countries are competing with Vietnam to attract more international tourists in 2026?

Countries including Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Spain and Portugal are expanding tourism through visa reforms, infrastructure development, cultural promotion and premium travel experiences.

6. Why are cultural experiences becoming a major tourism growth driver in 2026?

Travellers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences, including heritage sites, local traditions, cuisine, festivals and community-based activities, making culture a powerful factor in destination choice.

7. How is Saudi Arabia transforming itself into a global tourism destination?

Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in luxury resorts, heritage attractions, entertainment projects and cultural destinations under Vision 2030 to attract millions of international visitors.

8. What role does tourism consumption play in global destination competition?

Tourism consumption helps countries increase economic benefits by encouraging visitors to spend more on accommodation, experiences, shopping, transportation and local services.

9. How are Asian countries changing their tourism strategies in 2026?

Many Asian destinations are moving towards high-value tourism by improving accessibility, developing premium products, promoting local culture and using technology to enhance visitor experiences.