As Vietnam sets a target of welcoming around 25 million international visitors in 2026, the tourism sector is being called upon to maintain its growth momentum while improving product quality and destination competitiveness in a new phase of development.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Nguyen Tien Dat, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, described 2025 as a landmark year for the industry, marked by strong growth.

He noted that Vietnam welcomed approximately 21.5 million international arrivals and 135 million domestic travellers, representing an increase of over 20% compared to 2024. These achievements, he said, have created a solid foundation for further breakthroughs in 2026 and beyond, with targets set at 25 million international and 150 million domestic visitors.

According to Dat, such figures underscore Vietnam’s position among countries with the fastest growth in international arrivals, while also reflecting steady progress toward making tourism a key economic sector in line with the Politburo’s Resolution No.08-NQ/TW. The industry, he added, continues to play an increasingly important role, substantially contributing to overall economic growth.

Regarding policy priorities, he stressed the importance of continuing supportive measures introduced by the Party and the Government, including efforts to accelerate recovery and promote sustainable tourism development. In particular, more open visa policies such as unilateral visa exemptions, extended stays, and the expansion of the e-visa scheme have proved instrumental in attracting international visitors, especially from high-spending markets in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

He stressed that tourism promotion activities should be further strengthened in a more focused and effective manner, targeting key markets and popular destinations.

In 2026, Dat highlighted the need for continued investment in tourism, increased promotional resources, and stronger industry linkages to develop comprehensive and competitive tourism products. At the same time, he suggested that visa policies should remain flexible and facilitative to improve accessibility for international travellers.

However, he also pointed out several challenges facing the sector. Climate change impacts, including prolonged flooding in destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Giang, Sa Pa, Hue, Hoi An, and Nha Trang, have affected tourism activities. Environmental issues such as air pollution and traffic congestion were also cited as factors impacting visitor experience. In addition, manpower shortages and inconsistent service quality, particularly among tour guides and skilled personnel, remain pressing concerns in the post-pandemic context.

Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that the 2026 target is achievable, noting that Vietnam continues to gain recognition as an attractive destination.

He recommended placing greater emphasis not only on increasing visitor numbers but also on improving visitor quality, particularly by attracting high-spending and long-stay tourists.

He further underscored the importance of regional connectivity, with Hanoi serving as a major hub linking destinations such as Ha Long, Hai Phong, Ninh Binh, and mountainous areas in the North.

Enhanced coordination between the aviation and tourism sectors, including the expansion of direct and charter flights from potential markets, was also highlighted as a key factor in improving accessibility and reducing travel costs for international visitors./. VNA