Vietnam Sets Ambitious Goals for Tourism and Cultural Integration, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 28, 2025

On 27th December 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in Vietnam organized a major event to review the progress that had been achieved in the year 2025 and look back at the 2021 to 2025 term. The event, which was held both physically and online, brought together 34 regional sites across the country. The event featured the attendance of major personalities such as Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who made a speech highlighting the importance that culture, sports, and tourism have in determining the future for the country.

Vietnam’s Cultural Achievements in 2025: Enhancing Soft Power and National Pride

Despite the global and domestic challenges of 2025, Vietnam’s culture, sports, and tourism sectors have made remarkable strides, contributing significantly to economic growth and social development. The Ministry’s efforts have not only boosted the economy but have also reinforced the nation’s spiritual foundations, enhancing Vietnam’s cultural soft power on the international stage.

A standout achievement in the cultural sector was the completion of a major advisory report, leading to the issuance of a government resolution for the development of Vietnamese culture. This resolution is aimed at addressing key challenges, promoting cultural growth, and strengthening the role of human resources in sustainable national development.

In terms of public engagement, major commemorative events for the nation’s holidays were organized on a grand scale, fostering a sense of national pride and unity. These events were not only a celebration of Vietnam’s history but also a showcase of the country’s thriving cultural identity. Additionally, Vietnam’s literature, arts, and cinema sectors have seen significant growth, with films achieving remarkable box office success and contributing to the burgeoning cultural industry.

Heritage Preservation: Safeguarding Vietnam’s Rich Cultural Legacy

One of the most critical areas of focus has been the preservation and restoration of Vietnam’s historical and cultural relics. With a long and storied history, Vietnam is home to a wealth of heritage sites, many of which attract millions of tourists each year. In 2025, the government took proactive measures to safeguard and rehabilitate these landmarks, ensuring their preservation for future generations while simultaneously boosting tourism appeal.

Efforts to protect these cultural treasures have contributed significantly to the nation’s robust tourism recovery in 2025. By maintaining and showcasing Vietnam’s historical landmarks, the tourism sector has grown both in terms of international and domestic visitors. Notably, international arrivals have reached an impressive 21.5 million in 2025, while domestic tourism has seen an even greater surge, with approximately 135 million trips being taken across the country. This growth is a direct result of the country’s efforts to create a compelling mix of cultural heritage and modern attractions that resonate with tourists from around the globe.

Tourism Recovery: A Bright Spot for Vietnam’s Economy

Tourism has continued to be a pillar of Vietnam’s socio-economic development. The sector’s contribution to GDP remained steady at 6-8% throughout the 2021-2025 period, further emphasizing its importance to the national economy. As Vietnam continues to recover from the global disruptions caused by the pandemic, the tourism industry has experienced a resurgence, buoyed by the government’s strategic policies and investments in the sector.

The tourism revenue in 2025 is expected to hit a substantial one quadrillion VND, reflecting the growing demand for travel to Vietnam’s diverse range of destinations. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil beaches of Phu Quoc, tourists are increasingly flocking to Vietnam to experience its rich culture, natural beauty, and vibrant urban life. This has further solidified Vietnam as a top destination for both leisure and business travel in Southeast Asia.

Key Challenges and Future Goals: A Vision for 2026

During the conference, local leaders and sector experts presented reports and discussed the core challenges facing the culture, sports, and tourism sectors. Key issues included managing the impact of global economic shifts, enhancing infrastructure, and improving services for international tourists. The conference also served as a platform for identifying solutions and outlining a clear development vision for 2026 and beyond.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh acknowledged the tremendous progress made in 2025, praising the sector’s resilience in the face of adversity. He also called for a renewed approach to management, emphasizing the importance of integrating culture into everyday social life. He urged the sector to take decisive actions to achieve its goals, particularly in the realms of cultural development, sports advancement, and tourism growth.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for Vietnam’s culture to become more deeply integrated into daily life. By spreading positive cultural values through media and community engagement, Vietnam can continue to strengthen its national identity while fostering global recognition. He also highlighted the importance of supporting sports development, ensuring that progress is made in creating a healthier, more active society. In tourism, he called for breakthroughs that will further elevate Vietnam’s position as a top travel destination.

Vietnam’s Strategic Plan for Tourism Growth in 2026 and Beyond

Looking ahead to 2026, the conference set out ambitious goals for the continued development of Vietnam’s tourism industry. This includes expanding the range of tourism products, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall travel experience for both domestic and international visitors. By integrating culture into tourism offerings, Vietnam aims to create a unique and enriching experience for tourists that goes beyond just sightseeing.

With an increased focus on digital marketing and international promotion, Vietnam is positioning itself as a forward-thinking destination that offers a mix of traditional heritage and modern attractions. The government’s emphasis on sustainable tourism and cultural preservation ensures that the country remains an attractive, responsible choice for travelers from around the world.

A Bright Future for Vietnam’s Cultural and Tourism Sectors

Vietnam’s culture, sports, and tourism industries have progressed in tremendous ways in 2025. This is set to create even better platforms for success in the years to come. Even with all this progress, Vietnam is ready to face 2026 with renewed efforts to improve these areas of focus and to continue positioning itself as a top player in Southeast Asia. These are some of the aspects that Vietnam is focusing on to ensure it succeeds in 2026.