Vietnam’s tourism sector set for record year in 2025

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Vietnam’s tourism industry is preparing to set a new record in 2025, with the country expected to receive around 21 million international visitors by year‑end — a number that surpasses its previous high of 18 million in 2019 before the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism reported that more than 19 million foreign tourists had already arrived in the first eleven months of 2025, representing a 20.9 % year‑on‑year increase compared with the same period last year. On December 15, Vietnam celebrated its 20 millionth international visitor at Phu Quoc International Airport, a landmark described by officials as historic for the country’s tourism sector.

Deputy Minister Ho An Phong said the milestone reflects the strong, sustainable recovery of Vietnam’s travel industry, which has rebounded rapidly since fully reopening in March 2022. International arrivals had climbed from 12.6 million in 2023 to 17.6 million in 2024, showing consistent momentum.

Analysts and tourism stakeholders link this strong performance to several factors: eased visa policies, expanded flight connectivity, and Vietnam’s rich tourism offerings — from cultural heritage sites and vibrant cities to scenic beaches and natural landscapes. Despite ongoing challenges like air pollution in Hanoi and flooding in tourist hot spots, the nation’s appeal remains strong, continuing to attract travelers from China, South Korea, the U.S., Japan, and other key markets.

This anticipated record year underscores Vietnam’s emergence as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest‑growing travel destinations and positions the sector for further expansion in the coming years, as infrastructure and hospitality services adapt to rising global demand.