Vietnam Celebrates Historic Tourism Success In 2025, Welcoming Over Twenty-One Million International Visitors, Setting A New Benchmark

Published on December 31, 2025

In 2025, Vietnam achieved a remarkable milestone in its tourism sector, welcoming over twenty-one million international visitors, a historic high that sets a new benchmark for the country. This impressive growth highlights Vietnam’s thriving tourism industry, driven by a combination of strategic marketing efforts, expanded infrastructure, and a surge in global travel demand following the pandemic. As the country continues to emerge as a top travel destination in Southeast Asia, its record-breaking visitor numbers reflect the successful implementation of tourism strategies and an increasingly attractive offering for international travelers.

In 2025, Vietnam’s tourism sector reached a historic achievement by welcoming over 21 million international visitors, surpassing its pre-pandemic record by more than 10%. This significant milestone highlights the rapid recovery and growing importance of Vietnam in the global tourism industry. While the global tourism landscape is still recovering to about 90% of pre-pandemic levels, Vietnam’s performance reflects its commitment to revitalizing its tourism sector. The country has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers, offering a blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant urban centers.

During a tourism conference held in December 2025, the country’s leadership underscored the need for substantial reforms within the tourism sector to strengthen its competitiveness and further develop it into a cornerstone of Vietnam’s economy. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in his speech, outlined the strategic vision for the sector’s future, stressing the importance of continued transformation to maintain momentum. He emphasized that Vietnam must adapt to the changing global tourism trends and prioritize modernization, especially as digital technologies reshape the way people travel and consume services.

The government has set an ambitious target of attracting 25 million international visitors in 2026, a goal that marks a bold step forward in Vietnam’s tourism expansion. To achieve this target, the country is focusing on three strategic pillars: institutions, infrastructure, and human resources. Institutional reforms will help streamline the tourism industry, ensuring smoother operations and more competitive offerings. Investment in infrastructure, particularly in transportation, will enhance connectivity and make it easier for travelers to access key destinations across the country. Lastly, a focus on developing human resources will ensure that Vietnam’s tourism professionals are equipped with the skills needed to deliver high-quality service to an ever-growing international audience.

The country has also made significant strides in visa policy reforms. In 2025, Vietnam extended visa-free entry to citizens from 12 countries, including key European markets such as Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with this arrangement running until 2028. This move was designed to make it easier for travelers from these countries to visit Vietnam and enjoy its offerings without the hassle of visa applications. Furthermore, in August 2025, Vietnam added 12 more countries to the list of those eligible for visa-free entry, which included Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Poland. These new additions brought the total number of visa-exempt countries to 39, demonstrating Vietnam’s commitment to fostering more accessible tourism for international visitors.

In addition to its visa policy, Vietnam has bolstered its tourism infrastructure by expanding access points for foreign visitors. With the addition of 41 new entry points for international travelers, the country now has a total of 83 points of entry. This expansion is expected to further ease travel into the country, allowing tourists to reach more destinations more conveniently. Along with improved accessibility, the country has also received recognition from leading international tourism platforms, such as the World Travel Awards, which have helped reinforce Vietnam’s presence on the global tourism stage.

The country’s commitment to improving infrastructure has not been limited to airports and entry points. Vietnam has made substantial investments in expanding its tourism infrastructure, particularly in transportation. In 2025, several airports, expressways, and tourist ports were opened or expanded, enhancing connectivity between major cities and remote regions. These improvements are designed to make travel within the country more seamless and efficient for both domestic and international visitors. With faster and more reliable transportation options, tourists can now explore Vietnam’s diverse offerings with greater ease, from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay.

Despite these advances, Vietnam continues to face challenges, especially in terms of sustainability. The rapid growth of the tourism sector has put pressure on local ecosystems, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. The government has acknowledged that balancing growth with environmental responsibility is one of the most significant challenges facing the sector. While the country has made strides in improving its infrastructure and increasing accessibility, there is still much to be done to ensure that tourism development is sustainable and does not come at the expense of Vietnam’s natural and cultural heritage.

One of the key areas of concern is the heavy reliance on air travel, which contributes to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. While improvements to airports and transportation networks have facilitated easier travel within the country, over-dependence on air travel could become a constraint as Vietnam works to grow its tourism industry. Authorities have recognized this issue and are exploring ways to reduce the environmental footprint of tourism, such as promoting sustainable transportation options and encouraging eco-friendly practices among tourists and operators.

In 2025, Vietnam celebrated a historic tourism achievement by welcoming over twenty-one million international visitors, driven by enhanced infrastructure, strategic marketing, and its rising global appeal as a top Southeast Asian destination.

Despite these challenges, Vietnam’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth in the coming years. The country’s impressive 2025 performance serves as a strong foundation for future success. The strategic focus on institutional reform, infrastructure development, and human resource investment is expected to propel Vietnam’s tourism industry to new heights. Moreover, with increasing recognition on the global stage and a continued commitment to improving sustainability, Vietnam is positioning itself as a top destination for international tourists. As the country moves forward with its ambitious tourism targets, it will need to address its sustainability challenges head-on, ensuring that growth is balanced with environmental responsibility. By doing so, Vietnam can continue to attract millions of visitors while preserving its rich cultural and natural heritage for future generations.