Vietnam aims to welcome 23 million international tourists in 2025, surpassing its pre-pandemic record of 18 million visitors in 2019, according to Tran Phong Binh, deputy director of the tourism marketing department at the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.
Speaking at the Vietnam NTO briefing during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 in Johor, Tran highlighted that the 2025 target represents a 31% increase from the expected foreign arrivals in 2024. Of the projected arrivals, ASEAN regional markets are anticipated to contribute between 2.3 and 2.5 million visitors.
To achieve these ambitious goals, Vietnam is rolling out a series of initiatives and events aimed at boosting its appeal on the global stage. The Visit Vietnam Year – Hue 2025 will spotlight the central province of Thua Thien Hue, a cultural hub known for its historic significance and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
A lineup of high-profile events is also set to enhance Vietnam’s visibility. The Vietnam International Travel Mart will take place from 10-13 April in Hanoi, while the Danang International Fireworks Festival will light up the sky from 31 May to 12 June, with international teams hailing from Finland, the UK, Portugal, and Poland, among others. Additionally, the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City will run from 4-6 September, bringing together industry leaders and showcasing Vietnam’s tourism potential.
Tran also underscored the unique attractions that make Vietnam a standout destination, including the Son Doong Cave. As the world’s largest cave, it stretches 9km in length and measures up to 200m high and 100m wide in its largest sections, capable of housing a 70-storey building.