The Tourism Industry in Vietnam 2025: Growth, Policy Shifts & Global Opportunities

Vinex Official
Oct 28
5 min read

The tourism industry has become one of the world’s most influential economic engines. According to UN Tourism, global tourism industries account for more than 10 percent of global GDP and sustain over 350 million jobs. Under the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) framework, each component of the tourism industry — from accommodation to transport — is measured by its direct contribution to visitor spending, employment, and growth.

Vietnam’s tourism industry now ranks among Asia’s most dynamic service sectors. In 2025, it is recording double-digit expansion, outperforming regional peers, and attracting rising levels of foreign direct investment.

Understanding Tourism Industries: Core Structure and Ecosystem

The tourism industry functions through five core pillars:

Accommodation Industry — Hotels, resorts, and boutique stays form the foundation of tourism infrastructure.
Transportation Industry — Air, rail, and maritime networks connect destinations and shape mobility.
Food & Beverage Industry — Culinary experiences link local culture to the global tourism industry.
Recreation & Attractions Industry — Cultural heritage sites, nature parks, and wellness resorts deliver emotional value.
Travel Services Industry — Online travel agencies (OTAs) and tour operators orchestrate visitor logistics.

Together, these sectors create a comprehensive tourism value chain, driving jobs, exports, and innovation.

Extended Tourism Ecosystem

Beyond the core, the tourism industries also rely on:

MICE and event tourism
Fintech and digital payments
Retail and souvenirs
Insurance and safety services
Destination marketing organizations (DMOs)

These interconnections enable interoperability between global tourism industries, travelers, and policymakers.

Vietnam’s Tourism Industry: Record Growth in 2025

Vietnam’s tourism industry continues to outperform global averages. Between January and August 2025, the country welcomed 13.9 million international visitors, generating US $21.3 billion in revenue — a 21 percent increase from 2024.

Visa Reforms Fueling the Tourism Industry

Recent reforms have unlocked Vietnam’s inbound tourism potential:

A universal e-visa system for all nationalities, valid 90 days, single or multiple entry.
Removal of the 30-day gap rule for visa-exempt travelers.
Visa-free entry for 24 countries, expanding access to key markets.
Planned Golden Visa Program offering 5–10-year residency for investors and experts.

These steps make Vietnam one of the most accessible tourism industries in Asia, enhancing competitiveness and traveler retention.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Expansion

Infrastructure is central to Vietnam’s tourism industry strategy. Under Decision No. 648/QD-TTg, the government targets 30 airports by 2030 and 33 by 2050, with combined capacity nearing 300 million passengers.

Major projects include:

Long Thanh International Airport (US $5.5 billion, Phase 1)
Phu Quoc Airport expansion to 20 million passengers
Tuy Hoa and Vinh Airports modernization

Vietnam Airlines has also expanded global routes — including HCMC to Copenhagen — and codeshared with Singapore Airlines and Scandinavian Airlines, strengthening Vietnam’s position in the regional tourism industry network.

Investment Growth in Tourism and Hospitality Industries

The tourism and hospitality industries have become top targets for FDI:

US $36.6 million invested in accommodation and F&B in early 2025.
Global brands — Marriott, Accor, Hilton — expanded their portfolios.
Trump Group announced a US $1.5 billion luxury complex near Hanoi.

Independent and boutique hotels now dominate the market, reflecting a maturing tourism industry that appeals to premium travelers.

Diversification Within the Tourism Industry

Eco-Tourism and Wellness Travel

Eco-tourism and wellness segments are expanding rapidly within Vietnam’s tourism industry:

Roughly 47 percent of all tourism activity now relates to nature-based or eco-travel.
The wellness tourism industry, part of a US $639 billion global market, is driving spa and retreat investments. These initiatives align with Vietnam’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy and the UN SDGs.

Cultural and Experiential Tourism

Cultural tourism adds depth to the Vietnam tourism industry:

Over 200 heritage sites now use QR codes, audio guides, and e-ticketing.
Experiences such as traditional ao dai crafting or culinary workshops help tourism industries connect travelers to local culture.

Digital Transformation in Tourism

Digital innovation is reshaping the tourism industry:

75 percent of international travelers book online.
Digital payments (MoMo, ZaloPay, VietQR) are standardized.
Smart tourism kiosks and AI-based campaigns support personalized trip planning.

Digitalization enhances interoperability, efficiency, and user trust within Vietnam’s tourism industry ecosystem.

Workforce and Sustainability Challenges in Tourism Industries

The tourism industry faces two critical pressures:

1. Labor shortage and skills gap. The sector needs 40,000 new workers annually but produces only half that number. Around 70–80 percent of staff lack foreign language skills and formal training. 2. Sustainability and regulatory compliance. Vietnam’s updated Tourism Law requires ESG implementation and bans single-use plastics by 2030.

Training reforms are addressing these issues: the Swiss EHL Program, Netspace Culinary School, and Imperial Hospitality College combine digital and hands-on learning to raise global competitiveness.

These initiatives are turning Vietnam into a knowledge-driven, sustainable tourism industry model for ASEAN.

Strategic Roadmap: Vietnam’s Tourism Industry to 2035

Vietnam’s Tourism Development Master Plan (2021–2030, Vision 2050) sets clear targets for a resilient tourism industry:

Year	International Arrivals	Tourism GDP Share	Jobs Created
2025	22–23 million	≈ 13 %	3.5 million
2030	35 million	14–15 %	4–5 million
2035	40 + million	16–17 %	5 + million

The plan emphasizes balanced regional growth to avoid overtourism in Hanoi and HCMC and strengthens green infrastructure across secondary destinations.

Investment Opportunities in Vietnam’s Tourism Industry

Vietnam’s tourism industries offer diverse entry points for investors:

Eco-resorts and wellness retreats in Ninh Binh, Vung Tau, Ha Giang.
Airport and transport infrastructure (Long Thanh, Chu Lai).
Digital tourism startups — local OTAs and AI trip planners.
Hospitality development — luxury and boutique hotels in coastal cities.

Incentives such as tax holidays, PPP frameworks, and transparent licensing boost confidence in Vietnam’s tourism industry as an investment destination.

Regional Comparison & Global Context

Across ASEAN, tourism industries are repositioning for post-pandemic growth:

Thailand’s tourism industry leads in brand strength but faces cost inflation.
Indonesia’s tourism industry gains from eco-based innovation and digital tools.
Vietnam’s tourism industry excels in policy reform, cost competitiveness, and sustainability integration.

Globally, the tourism industry is moving toward inclusive, green, and technology-driven models — a trend that Vietnam is already embracing.

Conclusion

The tourism industry in Vietnam demonstrates how agile policy, innovation, and responsibility can drive transformational growth. With record arrivals, strong investment flows, and eco-digital integration, Vietnam is becoming a benchmark for sustainable and data-driven tourism industries in Asia.

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