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.

Vietnam aims to attract around 750,000 international medical tourists from 2026-2030 and become one of Southeast Asia’s leading medical tourism destinations under a draft scheme being prepared by the Ministry of Health.

Vietnam has been named the world’s top culinary destination for 2026 in the NZ Herald Travel Readers’ Choice Awards, voted by readers of international travel publication The New Zealand Herald (NZ Herald).

How to turn tourism potential into marketable products and connections forged at tourism forums into tours, tourism routes, air services and stable visitor flows were key issues discussed at the 2026 Int'l Travel Forum, held in Gia Lai on August 16.

Regional connectivity is widely regarded as a “key” to enhancing the competitiveness of tourism destinations.

Vietnam welcomed a record 690,000 Russian tourists last year and 742,000 in the first half of this year, cementing Russia as its third largest source market after China and the Republic of Korea.

Australia is emerging as one of Vietnam’s key tourism source markets, with visitor arrivals steadily increasing, staying longer, spending relatively more, and showing strong interest in local culture, cuisine, nature and authentic experiences.

Vietnam had 4,652 enterprises licensed to provide international travel services as of July 15, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

Vietnam is emerging as a popular overseas destination for Indian travelers, increasingly competing with established choices such as those in Thailand and Bali in Indonesia.

Vietnam has recently become a popular destination that European tourists choose when visiting Asia for their holidays.

From marathons to golf tournaments and outdoor adventure events, sports tourism is gaining momentum in Vietnam, positioning the country as an increasingly attractive destination for travellers seeking to combine competition, wellness and leisure.

Digital transformation is seeping into every corner of tourism, from trip planning and research to on-the-ground experiences, accommodation, and smart tools that help firms welcome, guide and delight visitors.

Vietnam has signed a cooperation agreement with VFS Global to strengthen international tourism promotion, beginning with campaigns in key Northeast Asian markets later this year.

In a new era, the tourism industry stands at a turning point, where economic growth must go hand in hand with human-centred and sustainable values.

HCM City aims to become a leading tourism, trade and services hub in Southeast Asia through a blend of modern urban experiences, rich cultural heritage and diverse natural attractions.

Sustainable tourism is becoming a defining trend among Vietnamese travellers as they increasingly seek to balance memorable experiences with positive contributions to local communities and the environment.

Vietnam welcomed 13.9 million international visitors in the first seven months of 2026, up 13.8% year-on-year, achieving about 56% of this year's target of 25 million foreign arrivals, reported the National Statistics Office.

Vietnam is gradually asserting its position on the regional wedding tourism map after several million-dollar weddings held for the super-rich from India, the Philippines and the US.