The year 2025 marked a record recovery for Vietnamese tourism, with over 21 million international visitors and estimated total revenue exceeding VND1 quadrillion (approximately US$42 billion). Revenue grew 19% compared to 2024, signaling a full-scale rebound in both visitor numbers and economic efficiency.

The forum, hosted by Travellive Media Group, highlighted sustainable development, long-term vision, and the cultivation of lasting value in the tourism industry. As Vietnam enters a post-pandemic restructuring phase, strategies focused on long-term value creation are becoming increasingly important in shaping the industry’s future.

At the forum, Kenneth Atkinson, Founder and Senior Board Adviser at Grant Thornton Vietnam expressed optimism about the industry’s growth, citing key drivers such as streamlined visa policies, expanding transportation infrastructure and a growing number of hotels catering to diverse market segments such as high-end resorts, wellness tourism, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism.

Atkinson pointed out that the development of Long Thanh International Airport as a key international gateway, together with improvements to regional airports and better connections to inland destinations through rail and highway networks, is expected to help more remote areas attract tourists and ease the pressure on popular coastal destinations.

He revealed that by 2030, Vietnam plans to add 250 new hotel projects with more than 88,800 rooms, most managed under international brands.

Growing air connectivity from multiple countries is expected to fuel the next tourism growth cycle. In 2025, Vietnamese airports handled over 30,700 international flights from 133 airports in 37 countries, operated by 85 airlines, averaging 3,000–3,500 international flights per week. The Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City route ranks among the busiest in the world.

Ben Chang, General Manager of STARLUX Airlines Vietnam, underscored a rising demand from international tourists, particularly from distant markets and the high-end segment. These travelers are willing to pay a premium for authentic local experiences and high-quality services. Therefore, any inconsistencies in service standards, he cautioned, could impact tourist satisfaction.

The forum also explored opportunities in medical and wellness tourism, leveraging Vietnam’s developing healthcare system alongside integrated wellness and recovery services. In addition, participants discussed strategies to elevate MICE and wedding tourism, focusing on unique, experience-driven events rather than competing solely on scale or price.

Resolution No. 57: Vietnam eyes comprehensive, unified tourism data system

Building a comprehensive and consistent tourism data system is emerging as a crucial condition for Vietnam’s tourism sector to strengthen governance capacity, improve competitiveness and enhance visitor experiences.