Top 10 domestic cultural, sports, and tourism events in 2024

1. The National Assembly passes a resolution approving the investment policy for the national target programme on cultural development in the 2025 - 2035 period, aiming to promote an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity, serving as a driving force for national development and safeguarding the nation. Among the goals, the cultural industry is expected to contribute 7% to the country's GDP by 2030 and 8% by 2035.

top 10 domestic cultural, sports, and tourism events in 2024 picture 2

2. The National Assembly approves the revised Cultural Heritage Law, introducing key measures for the repatriation of Vietnamese cultural artifacts and enhanced heritage protection policies. The Cultural Heritage Law will take effect on July 1, 2025.

top 10 domestic cultural, sports, and tourism events in 2024 picture 3

3. The Government promulgates two national master plans on culture, sports and tourism to leverage resources and create momentum for development breakthroughs. Notably, the national tourism development master plan for 2021 - 2030, with a long-term vision towards 2045 holds that by 2025 Vietnam will emerge as a compelling destination recognised for its significant tourism development potential on a global scale.

top 10 domestic cultural, sports, and tourism events in 2024 picture 4

4. Vietnam holds a series of cultural, sporting, and tourism events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954-May 7, 2024), receiving high praise from the public and visitors alike. The events not only commemorate the momentous victory but also help reinforce Vietnam’s cultural identity, showcasing the deep historical significance of the resounding victory.

top 10 domestic cultural, sports, and tourism events in 2024 picture 5

5. UNESCO has recognized the Nine Dynastic Urns in the Hue Imperial Citadel in the Memory of the World Register, and Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) Festival on Mount Sam on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The inclusion of two Vietnamese heritages on the UNESCO World Heritage list in the same year highlights significant achievements in the country’s preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

top 10 domestic cultural, sports, and tourism events in 2024 picture 6

6. The cultural industry makes a breakthrough with television shows and arts programmes which have a big impact on the society. The concerts and TV shows titled “Anh Trai Vượt Ngàn Chông Gai” (Call Me By Fire Vietnam) and “Anh Trai Say Hi” (Say Hi Never Say Goodbye) have created positive effects, thereby contributing to promoting the development of the cultural industry. Furthermore, the success of the first international jazz festival in Nha Trang and Vietnamese films such as “Đào, phở và piano” (Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano) and “Lật mặt” (Face Off) have had a great influence on the society.

top 10 domestic cultural, sports, and tourism events in 2024 picture 7

7. Vietnam has rolled out tourism and cinema promotions in the United States for the first time. The event attracts more than 500 guests, including leading Hollywood producers and directors, marking a breakthrough in the promotion of Vietnam tourism worldwide through cinema.

top 10 domestic cultural, sports, and tourism events in 2024 picture 8

8. The local tourism industry has recovered strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic, welcoming about 17 million international tourists and 120 million domestic tourists in 2024. This year Vietnam has picked up a number of prestigious prizes at the 31st World Travel Awards (WTA) 2024, including the World's Leading Heritage Destination, marking the fifth consecutive time since 2019.

top 10 domestic cultural, sports, and tourism events in 2024 picture 9

9. Vietnam hosts the first UN Tourism Conference on Tourism for Rural Development, drawing the participation of 300 delegates from 50 countries and territories, highlighting the significance of rural tourism to sustainable development. On this occasion, Tra Que village in the Ancient Town of Hoi An, central Vietnam, has been named as the Best Tourism Village by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), helping to honour the value and popularize tourism potential in Quang Nam province.

top 10 domestic cultural, sports, and tourism events in 2024 picture 10

10. Local female volleyballers bag a bronze medal in the 2024 FIVB Women's Volleyball Challenger Cup in the Philippines - the best result ever recorded by Vietnam at an International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) competition. They also successfully defend their championship title at the AVC Women's Challenge Cup this year. In late May, Vietnam retains the championship at the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Women 2024.