This marks a 29.6% increase compared to the same period last year, and making for the biggest number of arrivals to the country in a single quarter in history, according to the Q1 socio-economic report from the General Statistics Office released on April 6.

March alone saw over 2.05 million international arrivals, a rise of 28.5% year-over-year.

The growth is attributed to favourable visa policies, intensified tourism promotion campaigns, and Vietnam's increasing recognition in prestigious international tourism awards.

Asia remains the dominant source of international arrivals, with 4.71 million tourists, accounting for over 78% of the total. Key markets such as the Republic of Korea, China, Taiwan (China), and Japan continue to thrive, supported by the resumption and expansion of direct flights and relaxed visa policies.

European arrivals totalled 791,900, while 341,500 tourists came from the Americas. Australia and the Pacific contributed 160,100 visitors, while 12,300 African tourists visited Vietnam in Q1.

Russian tourists have made a strong comeback (up by an impressive 210%), especially in the south-central coastal localities of Khanh Hoa and Binh Thuan, along with Phu Quoc Island in the south—destinations favoured for their warm climate and well-developed tourism infrastructure. Tourists from Cambodia, the Philippines, and China also also increasingly descending on Vietnam, with the number seeing 205, 195, and 178% growth respectively.

Most visitors arrived by air, with 5.2 million arrivals (86.4%), a 34% increase from last year. Land border arrivals reached 685,500 (11.4%), up 9.6 per cent, while sea arrivals stood at 133,000 (2.2%), experiencing a slight 2.7% decline.

Vietnam's travel industry saw tourism revenue hit VND21.5 trillion (US$833.1 million) in Q1, a 18.3% increase year-over-year. Leading the growth were the capital city Hanoi (up by 23.5%), Da Nang (22.1%), and Quang Ninh (20.9%).

The accommodation and food service sector also flourished, generating VND200.1 trillion (about US$7.7 billion), up 14%. Same as travel revenues, the three localities Quang Ninh (20.1%), Da Nang (16.7%), and Hanoi (14.9%) saw the highest growth in this sector.

With impressive arrival numbers and strong revenue growth, Vietnam is solidifying its status as a top international destination.

The momentum from Q1 sets a strong foundation for the country's tourism sector to sustain growth and expansion in the coming months, achieving its target of welcoming 22-23 million foreign tourists for the whole year. 

Vietnam welcomes nearly 17.6 million foreign tourists in 2024

VOV.VN - The country attracted approximately 17.6 million international visitors throughout 2024, marking an annual increase of 39.5% and reaching 97.6% of the 2019 pre-pandemic level.