Vietnam’s tourism sector needs to shift from pursuing visitor numbers to maximising value, while developing a high-quality, smart, green, creative and culturally distinctive tourism ecosystem to create new growth momentum, experts have said.

Vietnam welcomed nearly 16 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2026, maintaining strong growth across traditional Asian markets and long-haul destinations, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

The number of Russian visitors to Vietnam is forecast to reach a historic record of 1.5 million this year, a senior official has said.

Vietnam welcomed nearly 2 million international visitors in August, up 19.7% from July and 18.4% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.

Many localities are rethinking seasonal tourism, turning weather-related challenges into opportunities to create unique experiences, stimulate demand and attract visitors year-round while ensuring their safety.

Vietnam has strong potential to develop sustainable tourism, particularly through community-based and agricultural tourism.

Vast melaleuca forests, a typical peatland ecosystem and local folklore have long made U Minh Ha a draw in Vietnam’s southernmost province of Ca Mau.

Hanoi is shifting from event-based tourism toward a year-round experience model, using festivals as gateways to longer stays, deeper cultural encounters, and repeat visits.

Vietnam wants tourism to contribute as much as 12% of GDP by 2030, backed by new tourism hubs, better infrastructure, higher-value visitors and a stronger nighttime economy.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam recently signed and issued Resolution 26-NQ/TW to develop Vietnam’s tourism industry into a spearhead economic sector in the new era.

As August arrives each year, sunlight bathes the mountains of Lao Cai, transforming the terraced fields of Ta Van commune into a vibrant green landscape that draws visitors from Vietnam and abroad.

Vietnam is ready to work with countries, international organisations and the business community to leverage shared strengths and create new momentum for MICE tourism in the region, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra said on August 27.

Medical tourism is emerging as a high-value service sector, with many countries successfully building national brands and attracting large numbers of international visitors each year.

The central city of Da Nang tops the domestic rankings while Bangkok leads the international list of the most-searched destinations among Vietnamese travellers for the upcoming holiday.

Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant street food is gaining global recognition while emerging as a distinctive tourism product, generating revenue and giving fresh momentum to the city’s night-time economy.

A draft decree proposing amendments to Decree No. 147/2024/ND-CP on the management, provision and use of internet services and online information has introduced a range of policies aimed at supporting Vietnam’s game industry.

Vietnam is shifting tourism growth from attracting more visitors to generating greater value from each trip, with a focus on higher spending, longer stays, green development, technology application and cultural experiences.

AI and Big Data are transforming Vietnam’s tourism industry, changing how businesses reach travelers, use data and compete for higher-value visitors.

The tourism industry is shifting from developing individual destinations to building connected journeys, with localities sharing resources, markets and value.