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Vietnam on track to become top tourist destination in digital age

Singapore's opengovasia.com website has recently run an article saying that Vietnam, with over 78 million internet users and 73.3% of its population actively engaging on social networks, has cultivated an ideal environment for a thriving digital ecosystem and technological advancements in tourism.

This robust digital infrastructure is therefore enabling the country to tap into innovative solutions, offering both convenience and efficiency to travelers and service providers alike, it said.

As one of the fastest-growing digital economies in ASEAN, Vietnam has embraced digital transformation initiatives championed by the Government and key stakeholders operating within the tourism industry. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), and big data are in the process of revolutionising the sector.

These advancements not only optimize visitor experiences, but also streamline operations for tourism service providers, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development whilst boosting collaboration between stakeholders in a bid to create a more resilient and adaptable tourism ecosystem, cited VOV.

The article also cited a recent report on Vietnamese people's travel habits, which highlights that tools such as digital maps, e-wallets, and online travel agents (OTAs) are widely used.

These tools have become essential for modern travelers, offering seamless navigation, cashless transactions, and convenient booking options. While more advanced technologies such as e-tickets, virtual assistants, and smart hotel services are still in the early stages of adoption, their growing presence is transforming travel into a more interactive and personalized experience.

Local authorities have also recognised the role of digitalisation in boosting tourism. Digital travel platforms and mobile applications now allow visitors to explore destinations, book accommodations, and access travel information with ease. These tools not only simplify travel planning, but also contribute to the nation’s appeal as a tech-savvy destination, the article said.

According to the article, the Vietnamese tourism industry has witnessed remarkable growth over recent years. In the first 11 months of this year alone, the country welcomed over 15.8 million international tourists, marking a 41% increase compared to the same period from 2023. Popular destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Nha Trang continue to attract visitors, thanks in part to their integration of digital tools and platforms which work to enhance visitor experiences.

Looking ahead, the Vietnamese tourism sector is poised to further leverage digital innovation. Continued investment in emerging technologies, combined with a strong focus on improving user experience, are likely to ensure that the nation remains competitive in the global tourism market. At the same time, fostering digital literacy and building a resilient technological infrastructure will be key to sustaining long-term growth.

With an ambitious target of welcoming 17 million to 18 million international visitors by the end of the year, the nation’s commitment to digital transformation in tourism serves as a model for other emerging markets. By embracing technology and prioritizing sustainable practices, the country is well on its way to becoming a leading travel destination in the digital era, it concluded.

Localities welcome first visitors in New Year 2025

Localities across Vietnam on January 1 organized ceremonies to welcome visitors on the first day of the New Year 2025, pinning high hopes for a prosperous year.

In the central city of Da Nang, the municipal Department of Tourism welcomed nearly 3,000 first visitors this year. They included nearly 2,000 tourists from Europe and America on board the Noordam cruise ship.

Representatives from the city’s tourism department gave them flowers, souvenirs, and vouchers. The tourists were treated to traditional lion dance performances and had the opportunity to take memorable photos.

On the first day of the new year, the Da Nang International Airport received 125 flights, including 57 international ones. From December 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025, the airport hosted over 600 flights, marking a 15.6% increase year-on-year.

Deputy Director of the department Tan Van Vuong said that this year, the city expects to attract over 11.9 million visitors, up 10% from 2024, with international visitors estimated at over 4.8 million. Revenue from accommodation, dining, and travel services is projected to exceed 36 trillion VND (1.41 billion USD), representing a 16% year-on-year rise.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring central city of Hue welcomed more than 100 passengers on flight VN6317 from Hanoi which landed at the Phu Bai International Airport at 9:15 a.m. It’s the first flight that carries the first tourists to the city in 2025, according to VNA.

First cruise tourists visit Da Nang city on January 1. (Photo: VNA)

Of them, four received round-trip domestic flight tickets from Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines, along with souvenirs from the tourism department while others enjoyed art performances and New Year gifts from city officials.

The event marks the beginning of the Hue Festival 2025 and a series of year-round tourism activities celebrating Hue as a centrally run city from January 1, 2025 and the “Visit Vietnam Year - Hue 2025”.

In the central province of Quang Nam, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Van Dung offered gifts and congratulations to the first visitors to its Hoi An ancient town, including 18 from Italy.

Nguyen Van Lanh, Vice Chairman of the Hoi An city People’s Committee, stated that Quang Nam province welcomed 8 million tourists in 2024, with Hoi An alone attracting over 4.5 million, reaffirming its status as a leading tourist destination.

Arriving in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre on January 1, visitors from Canada, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Russia were warmly received and gifted local souvenirs.

At Buon Ma Thuot airport, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak welcomed the 1.5 millionth tourist and the first flight to the province in 2025, with traditional gong performances.

The first three passengers received flowers, gifts, and round-trip air tickets while all passengers on the flight were given a pair of tickets each to visit local tourist attractions, and a Dak Lak travel guide book.

Vietnam’s trade surplus reaches historic US$24 billion in 2024

The Ministry of Finance reported USD 8.1 billion in tax reductions for 2024, yet Vietnam achieved a historic budget revenue of USD 83.3 billion.

Vietnam's state budget revenue for 2024 is estimated at over VND 2 quadrillion (USD 83.3 billion), exceeding projections by 19.1% and increasing by 15.5% compared to 2023. For the first time, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City each collected over VND 500 trillion (USD 20.8 billion).

At the national finance and budget review conference for 2024, officials reported that state budget revenues reached 119.1% of the forecast, an increase of VND 324.4 trillion (USD 13.5 billion) compared to the previous year.

Central government revenue accounted for 123.7% of the estimate, while local government revenue reached 114.4%. Tax and fee collections alone made up 14.2% of GDP, contributing to a total mobilization rate of 17.8% of GDP.

Government expenditure and debt management

Total government expenditure is estimated at VND 1.8 quadrillion (USD 75 billion), representing 86.4% of the planned budget.

Development investment spending is expected to reach 78.1% of the National Assembly’s target, with disbursement rates at 77.5% of the Prime Minister’s plan. Recurrent expenditures stood at 94.5% of the estimate.

The government issued VND 330.4 trillion (USD 13.8 billion) in bonds in 2024, fulfilling 82.59% of the annual plan, with an average maturity of 11–12 years and an average interest rate of 2.52% per year.

Public debt levels remain tightly controlled, staying below the permissible threshold. By year-end, public debt is estimated at 36–37% of GDP, and government debt at 33–34% of GDP, VNN reported.

Vietnam experienced strong growth in tax revenue in 2024. Photo: Nam Khanh.

Tax relief policies

In 2024, the Ministry of Finance implemented tax, fee, and land rent reduction policies totaling an estimated VND 197.3 trillion (USD 8.1 billion).

This includes VND 99 trillion (USD 4 billion) in exemptions and reductions and VND 98.3 trillion (USD 4.1 billion) in deferred payments.

Despite these significant relief measures, revenue growth exceeded expectations due to robust exports, foreign investment, and domestic economic performance.

Regional revenue milestones

Hanoi reported record-breaking budget revenue of over VND 500 trillion (USD 20.8 billion), with nearly 94% coming from domestic sources.

Tax revenue from e-commerce alone contributed VND 40 trillion (USD 1.67 billion), a 32% year-on-year increase.

The city also achieved its goal of eradicating poverty two years ahead of schedule.

Similarly, Ho Chi Minh City recorded its highest-ever budget revenue at VND 515.34 trillion (USD 21.5 billion), achieving 104.66% of its forecast.

Trade and customs achievements

The General Department of Customs exceeded its revenue target, collecting VND 426 trillion (USD 17.7 billion) by year-end, 113.3% of the estimate and a 15% increase from 2023.

Vietnam’s total trade volume for 2024 is projected at USD 786.07 billion, up 14.5% from 2023.

The trade surplus is estimated at USD 24 billion, the largest in the country’s history.

Tourism sector thriving in 2024

The tourism sector emerged as a bright spot in Vietnam’s socio-economic landscape in 2024, surpassing key targets for visitor numbers and revenue.

As a result, it became a major economic driver, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of both localities and the country as a whole.

Meeting set targets

In 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism worked closely with local authorities to remove bottlenecks in policies and mechanisms, with focus on developing tourism through distinctive products, professional services, simplified procedures, competitive pricing, and a clean, green, and safe environment. These efforts helped affirm Vietnam’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination on the global tourism map.

Minister Nguyen Van Hung noted that 2024 saw the first successful Vietnam Tourism and Cinema Promotion Program in the US, themed "Vietnam – New Destination of World Cinema." The event received widespread acclaim from both US and international filmmakers, leading to the signing of numerous cooperation agreements. As a result, at least five international film crews are expected to visit Vietnam in the near future.

The ministry also organized innovative tourism promotion programs in China, several European countries, and Russia, which successfully boosted Vietnam's tourism profile.

In December, Vietnam hosted the UN Tourism's first Global Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in Hoi An, the central province of Quang Nam.

To keep pace with the digital transformation trend, the ministry has focused on promoting digital technology to develop digital platforms and applications such as upgrading the national tourism app “Vietnam Travel”, and implementing an electronic ticket system, and multimedia interpretation services.

A significant milestone was Vietnam’s adoption of an e-visa policy for citizens of all countries, allowing stays of up to 90 days. Additionally, the expansion of the unilateral visa exemption program has extended the duration of stay to 45 days, making it easier for international travelers to visit Vietnam, VOV reported.

Tam Chuc pagoda - a tourist attraction in Ha Nam province (Photo: VNA)

With strong determination, significant efforts, and decisive, and innovative actions, Vietnam's tourism sector achieved remarkable growth in 2024. International arrivals reached nearly 17.5 million, a 38.9% increase compared to the previous year, while domestic visitors numbered 110 million, up 1.6%. Total revenue from tourism surged to approximately VND840 trillion (US$32.96 billion), marking a 23.8% year-on-year rise.

The World Travel Awards (WTA) 2024 continued to honour Vietnam in three categories: Asia's Leading Destination, Asia's Leading Heritage Destination, and Asia's Leading Nature Destination.

Turning tourism into spearhead sector

Despite these successes, the tourism sector faces ongoing challenges, particularly in transforming potential into tangible products that can attract even more visitors and in further elevating its position in 2025 and beyond.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), the industry aims to fully recover to pre-COVID-19 levels by 2025. The targets include welcoming 22-23 million international visitors and 120-130 million domestic tourists. It also strives to contribute 6-8% of GDP, generate 980-1,050 trillion VND in revenue, and create 5.5 million jobs, including 1.8 million direct jobs.

Looking ahead to 2030, the tourism sector aspires to become a key economic driver, advancing toward green growth, with the goal of attracting 35 million international and 160 million domestic tourists.

Ha Van Sieu, VNAT Deputy Director General, emphasised that to achieve growth in international markets, the industry will prioritize markets based on factors like visa exemptions, convenient air connectivity, and high growth potential. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders will be key to addressing institutional barriers and removing obstacles that hinder investment in tourism.

OV intellectuals - a valuable resource of nation: diplomat

Overseas Vietnamese (OV) intellectuals are a valuable resource for Vietnam, especially in the context that the country is entering a new era of the nation’s rise, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Denmark Luong Thanh Nghi.

Speaking at a December 30 meeting with over 40 Vietnamese experts and scientists living in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and France, Nghi said that the large contingent of Vietnamese intellectuals, experts, and scientists abroad has been educated and trained primarily in developed countries. They have access to advanced sciences, with many working in cutting-edge sectors and modern scientific fields.

He called on Vietnamese experts, intellectuals, and scientists abroad, particularly in Europe, to join hands in realizing the nation's aspirations, cited VNA.

Vietnamese experts and scientists living in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and France pose for a photo (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

President of the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts (AVSE Global) Prof. Nguyen Duc Khuong stated that the active participation of the Vietnamese intellectual community in Europe in this journey lays the foundation for long-term strategies, affirming their aspirations and responsibilities in promoting the sustainable development of the nation.

AVSE Global firmly believes that collective intelligence will empower Vietnam to rise up strongly, he affirmed.

The meeting was jointly held by the Vietnamese Embassy in Denmark, AVSE Global, and the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts in Denmark. It is part of the One Global Vietnam – Europe 2024, initiated by AVSE Global.

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