2017 is considered a successful year for the tourism sector, with 13 million international tourists arriving in Vietnam, up by three million against the previous year.

Vietnam welcomed 13 million international tourists in 2017, up by three million against the previous year

According to Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Van Tuan, 2017 was the first year that the sector implemented Politburo Resolution 8-NQ/TW on developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector.

In the first half of 2017, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) revealed the world’s top 10 fastest-growing tourist destinations, with Vietnam in sixth position. The Southeast Asian country also led Asia-Pacific with growth of 31.2 percent.

The UNWTO described Vietnam as not a stranger to tourism with long-standing history, culture, rich cuisine and natural attractions. 

Vietnam also received international tourism awards in 2017. Notably, the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort set a record as it was honoured as the World’s Leading Luxury Resort for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay was named the World’s Best New Resort by the World Travel Awards. 

Vietravel became the first Vietnamese travel company to be honoured as the World’s Leading Group Tour Operator 2017.

The good performance during 2017 was attributable to the sector’s concerted efforts and several policies, including a two-year pilot e-visa programme for citizens of 40 countries launched on February 1, and extension of visa exemption for certain countries. Many provinces have worked to improve tourism service and quality and the investment environment to attract investment in the sector.

In June 2017, the National Assembly approved the Law on Tourism, which took effect on January 1, 2018. Decrees and circulars guiding the execution of the law are being finalised to drive tourism development.

Vietnam hopes to serve at least 16 million international tourists in 2018 and 17-18 million foreign holidaymakers in 2020.-VNA