Vietnam with Hạ Long Bay, Hội An, and Hanoi attracts tourists from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom as a top source market to boost travel industry

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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September 7, 2024 04:32 GMT+5:30

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Việt Nam’s tourism industry has experienced a robust recovery in 2024, with the country welcoming 1.43 million international visitors in August alone, marking a 17.7% year-on-year increase, according to the latest data from the General Statistics Office of Việt Nam. This brings the total number of international arrivals over the first eight months of 2024 to more than 11.4 million, representing a 45.8% increase from the same period in 2023 and even surpassing pre-pandemic numbers by 1% compared to 2019.

Asian Market Leads Visitor Growth

The Asian market continues to be the driving force behind Việt Nam’s tourism resurgence, with over 9 million visitors from the region, reflecting a 51% increase year-on-year. The proximity of these nations, combined with Việt Nam’s attractive travel offerings and improving flight connectivity, has contributed to this surge. Popular tourist destinations such as Hạ Long Bay, Hội An, and Hanoi are once again seeing waves of tourists from key Asian countries like China, South Korea, and Japan.

Meanwhile, the European and Oceania markets have also shown steady growth. European visitors increased by 42.7%, with over 1.3 million tourists arriving in Việt Nam during the first eight months of the year. Countries like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are key contributors to this growth, as more tourists are drawn to Việt Nam’s unique mix of historical and cultural attractions, along with its natural beauty.

In the Oceania market, primarily comprising Australia and New Zealand, the country saw a 25.4% increase, with 346,500 tourists visiting in 2024 so far. This uptick can be attributed to the strengthening travel ties between Việt Nam and these countries, with several direct flights and promotional tourism campaigns.

Smaller But Noteworthy Growth in the Americas and Africa

The American market, which includes the United States, Canada, and several Latin American countries, witnessed a more modest increase, rising by 7.8% to a total of 674,300 visitors. This is reflective of the growing interest in Việt Nam as a long-haul destination, particularly for adventure and eco-tourism.

One of the most striking figures comes from the African market, albeit from a smaller base. Visitor numbers from Africa surged by 95.5% year-on-year, totaling 34,200 tourists in the first eight months of 2024. This growth highlights Việt Nam’s expanding reach to non-traditional tourism markets and its increasing global appeal.

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Air Travel Leads the Way, Followed by Land and Sea

Among the 11.4 million visitors, the majority arrived by air, with 9.7 million air travelers, accounting for 84.7% of the total, marking a 41% year-on-year increase. Air travel remains the preferred method for international tourists due to Việt Nam’s extensive flight network, which has continued to expand post-pandemic.

Meanwhile, land travel saw an impressive 73.3% rise, with 1.6 million visitors entering Việt Nam by land, making up 13.8% of the total. Sea travel, though a smaller contributor, recorded the highest relative growth, with 165,600 visitors, a 2.8 times increase compared to the same period in 2023. The return of cruise tourism, particularly to coastal cities like Đà Nẵng and Nha Trang, has played a significant role in this growth.

Key Factors Behind the Tourism Boom

A spokesperson from the General Statistics Office highlighted several contributing factors to the resurgence of tourism in Việt Nam. Among these were favorable visa policies, such as the introduction of electronic visas and extended visa-free periods for select countries, which have made travel to Việt Nam more accessible.

In addition to visa policies, tourism promotion campaigns and international awards have significantly enhanced Việt Nam’s image as a must-visit destination. The government’s increased efforts in promoting the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary offerings have resonated with international travelers. Prestigious awards such as World Travel Awards accolades for Việt Nam’s beaches, resorts, and cuisine have helped solidify its standing on the global tourism stage.

“The strong growth in tourism has positively contributed to the expansion of the service and trade sectors since the beginning of the year,” remarked a leader from the General Statistics Office.

Economic Impact of Tourism on Service Sectors

The surge in international visitors has had a direct and positive impact on Việt Nam’s service and trade sectors, particularly in accommodation and food services. In the first eight months of 2024, total retail sales of goods and consumer services were estimated at VNĐ4,148.4 trillion, reflecting an 8.5% increase year-on-year.

Revenue from accommodation and food services reached VNĐ481.2 trillion (approximately US$19.5 billion), making up 11.6% of total retail sales and marking a 14.3% year-on-year rise. Key tourist destinations like Quảng Ninh, Đà Nẵng, and Thanh Hoá saw notable increases in tourism-related revenue, with Quảng Ninh experiencing a 29.1% rise and Đà Nẵng following with 23.3% growth.

Moreover, tourism-related revenues in general saw a significant boost, with an estimated VNĐ40.9 trillion generated from the sector in the first eight months of 2024, marking a 26.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Leading Regions in Tourism Revenue Growth

Several regions across Việt Nam have experienced remarkable growth in tourism revenue:

• Hồ Chí Minh City recorded a 42.2% increase, leading the way in tourism revenue growth.
• Đà Nẵng followed closely with a 38.6% rise, as the city continues to attract both local and international tourists.
• Cần Thơ saw a 33.7% growth in tourism revenue, while the capital city, Hà Nội, reported a 29.7% increase.
• Other notable regions include Quảng Ninh with a 21% rise and Bình Dương at 18.5%.

Focus on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tourism

Looking ahead, Việt Nam is focusing on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly tourism to ensure long-term growth while preserving its natural resources. The Hà Nội Autumn Festival, set to take place soon, is designed to highlight the cultural and tourism values of the capital, encouraging responsible tourism practices. Additionally, Hồ Chí Minh City is gearing up to host the 18th International Tourism Fair, further showcasing Việt Nam’s growing prominence as a global tourism hub.

Conclusion

Việt Nam’s tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable recovery, with international visitor numbers soaring by 46% in the first eight months of 2024. Driven by favorable visa policies, promotional efforts, and a renewed focus on sustainable tourism, the country is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory. The strong performance in both the tourism and service sectors highlights Việt Nam’s ability to adapt and thrive in a post-pandemic world, making it an increasingly attractive destination for travelers from all corners of the globe.