Vietnam serves 12.6 million international tourists in 2023
About 12.6 million international tourists have visited Vietnam this year, a 3.4-fold rise from 2022, surpassing the target of 8 million set earlier, the General Statistics Office (GSO) reported on December 29.
About 12.6 million international tourists visit Vietnam this year. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – About 12.6 million international tourists have visited Vietnam this year, a 3.4-fold rise from 2022, surpassing the target of 8 million set earlier, the General Statistics Office(GSO) reported on December 29.
The yearly figure, however, is equivalent to only70% of the pre-pandemic level in 2019, the agency said, adding that in Decemberalone, it stood at nearly 1.4 million, up 11.2% month-on-month, and 93.9%year-on-year.
Meanwhile, some 5 million Vietnamese travelledabroad in the year, two times that in 2022. During the final monthof 2023, the number was estimated at 352,100, a rise of 23.2% from the sameperiod last year.
Vietnam has won the World’s Leading Heritage Destination 2023 title of the World Travel Awards. (Photo: VNA)
Revenue from lodging and catering services this yearreached 673.5 trillion VND (27.77 billion USD), accounting for 10.8% of thetotal value and expanding by 14.7% compared to the previous year.
The agency attributed the hikes to efforts bylocalities in developing tourism products, and cultural and sport activities, withDa Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Can Tho among those reportingincreases in tourism revenue.
The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism said the 2023National Tourism Year, hosted by the central coastal province of Binh Thuanunder the theme of “Green convergence”, has wrapped up successfully, featuringmore than 200 national and international events.
Binh Thuan welcomed a record number of 8.5 millionholidaymakers in the year, and raked in 23 trillion VND from the sector,doubling that in 2022. It has been among the nine localities nationwide postingthe highest tourism revenue, contributing to boosting the country’s tourismrecovery and promoting the land and people of Vietnam to international friends.
The 2024 National Tourism Year will be hosted by thenorthern province of Dien Bien, marking the 70th anniversary ofthe Dien Bien Phu victory which played a decisive role in ending the resistancewar against French colonialists.
With nine UNESCO-recognised heritage sites, includingfive cultural, three natural, and one complex heritage, Vietnam has won theWorld’s Leading Heritage Destination 2023 title of the World Travel Awards.
This is the 4th time that Vietnam has obtained thetitle, as it did in 2019, 2020, and 2022./.
System planning is an important basis for overcoming discrepancies, limitations, and weaknesses in Vietnam’s tourism and creating breakthroughs for the industry to thrive during economic green transformation, said Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha.
A meeting was held in Binh Dinh on December 28 to discuss how to promote tourism development link between the south-central province, and Atapu, Sekong, Champasak and Salavan province, southern Laos.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
About 12.6 million international tourists visit Vietnam this year. (Photo: VNA) 
Vietnam has won the World’s Leading Heritage Destination 2023 title of the World Travel Awards. (Photo: VNA) 
