From Modest Beginnings to Global Recognition

Strong policy support from the Party and the State created a favorable legal environment for tourism development. Landmark documents such as Resolution 45-CP of the Government on innovation in tourism management and Conclusion 179-TB/TW of the Politburo paved the way for the industry to thrive in the new era of international integration.

In 1990, the country received just 250,000 international arrivals - a modest number in the early stage of the opening. Yet within five years, that number had soared to 1.4 million. By 2000, arrivals had reached 2.1 million, and by 2010, the figure hit 5 million, representing a twentyfold increase compared to 1990.

Breakthrough Growth in the 2010s

The period from 2015 to 2019 marked a turning point. Resolution 08-NQ/TW of the Politburo in 2017, which identified tourism as a “spearhead economic sector,” and the approval of amended Law on Tourism of the same year, provided the industry with a solid institutional framework.

The results were dramatic. International arrivals surged from 7.9 million in 2015 to over 10 million in 2016, nearly 13 million in 2017, and 15.5 million in 2018. By 2019, Vietnam welcomed 18 million international visitors - 72 times higher than in 1990. According to UN Tourism, Vietnam’s average growth rate of 22.7% during this period ranked among the highest in the world.

Covid-19 Shock and Strong Recovery

Like the rest of the world, Vietnam’s tourism industry was severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. From early 2020, tourism activities came to a halt, erasing years of growth. However, after reopening in March 2022, the sector made a determined comeback.

That year, Vietnam welcomed 3.7 million international visitors - around 20% of pre-pandemic levels. The number jumped to 12.6 million in 2023 and 17.6 million in 2024, a 98% recovery compared to 2019. This was hailed as the strongest recovery in Southeast Asia.

In the first seven months of 2025 alone, more than 12.2 million international visitors arrived, up 22.5% year-on-year and even 24.8% higher than the same period in 2019. Remarkably, UN Tourism ranked Vietnam’s 30% growth rate in first quarter of 2025 as the highest in the Asia-Pacific region.

Domestic Tourism: A Strong Foundation

Alongside international growth, the domestic market has also expanded spectacularly. From just 1 million domestic trips in 1990, the number rose to 11 million in 2000, 28 million in 2010, and 85 million in 2019.

When the borders closed during the pandemic, domestic tourism became the salvation of the industry. Thanks to major stimulus programs by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, domestic tourism rebounded quickly. In 2022, domestic trips reached 101.3 million, surpassing the pre-pandemic record. The upward trend continued with 108 million trips in 2023 and 110 million in 2024.

In the first seven months of 2025 alone, 93 million trips were made. The number is expected to climb further driven by celebration of major national events throughout this year.

A Bright Spot in Vietnam’s Economy

Tourism has become a true growth engine for Vietnam’s economy. Beyond generating revenue, the industry creates jobs, stimulates other related sectors, and supports community livelihoods.

In 2010, tourism revenue stood at 355 trillion VND. By 2019, it had doubled to 755 trillion VND, contributing 9.2% to the GDP. After the pandemic, tourism's revenue rebounded strongly to 495 trillion VND in 2022, 678 trillion VND in 2023, and 840 trillion VND in 2024. Recognized as a “bright spot” in the post-pandemic recovery, tourism continues to be prioritized by the Government as a driving force for sustainable growth of the economy in the coming time.

Vietnam’s tourism journey is a story of resilience, vision, and transformation. From a modest start to becoming one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world, the industry has proven its strength as both an economic powerhouse and a cultural ambassador for the nation.

Tourism Information Technology Center