Vietnam’s tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with tourist hotspots throughout the country enjoying a highly successful summer season. The General Statistics Office reports that nearly 11.4 million international travelers visited Vietnam during the first eight months of 2024, marking a substantial 45.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This remarkable growth even surpasses pre-pandemic levels, exceeding the number of international visitors during the same period in 2019 by 1%.
The peak season for international tourism in Vietnam typically runs from October through April. Recognizing this, local regions are actively innovating and enhancing their tourism offerings to capitalize on the upcoming influx of travelers. By developing distinctive and professional services, these regions aim to solidify their status as premier destinations.
In preparation for the year-end and New Year holiday periods, many local areas are intensifying efforts to upgrade their tourism products and services. They are introducing new highlights and unique features to distinguish their destinations and offer unforgettable experiences for travelers.
Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant and bustling metropolis, seamlessly blends modern energy with rich cultural traditions. Famous for its diverse ethnic communities, historic markets, and centuries-old craft villages, the city attracted nearly 26.5 million visitors in the first eight months of 2024. This surge in tourism contributed to a remarkable 15% year-on-year increase in tourism revenue.
Meanwhile, in Vietnam’s south-central coastal region, Binh Thuan has emerged as a key destination, leveraging its strengths in resort tourism, cultural experiences, and adventure sports centered around its coastal and island areas. The province has been actively enhancing its tourism offerings to attract a broader range of visitors. In the first eight months of 2024, Binh Thuan welcomed more than 6.4 million domestic and international travelers, demonstrating its growing popularity. As the year progresses, the province is expected to become an even more popular choice for international tourists seeking to enjoy its warm, pleasant climate.
The provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in Binh Thuan is working to develop themed tourism products, including cultural-historical tourism, community-based tourism, agro-tourism, and eco-tourism that integrate the region’s marine, forest, and sand dune environments, ideal for sea and sand sports. The province has also elevated the quality of its healthcare tourism, conference tourism, research-oriented travel, and sightseeing experiences in Phan Thiet City. It has further optimized tours that highlight the historical and cultural significance of local relics, craft villages, and the diverse traditions of ethnic groups like the Cham, Co Ho, and Cho Ro communities.
Can Tho City, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, is setting its sights on welcoming 6.1 million visitors in 2024. Following a busy summer season, the city continues to refine its tourism products, focusing on the garden ecosystem and the distinctive cultural heritage of the Mekong Delta. These enhancements aim to attract more tourists during the final months of 2024 and into early 2025. In the near future, several new programs will be launched to promote the city’s culture, people, and unique experiences, aiming to attract both domestic and international audiences.
Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, noted that alongside recent releases of short films and e-publications showcasing fresh perspectives, the city will continue to promote its tourism through prestigious awards and recognitions, further solidifying its reputation as a leading destination. In early September, Ho Chi Minh City earned multiple accolades, including “Asia’s Leading MICE Tourism Destination” from the World MICE Tourism Awards, marking the fifth time it has received this honor. The HCM City Travel Mart was also named Asia’s best trade show. Additionally, the World Travel Awards recognized the city as “Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2024” and “Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination 2024.”
With nearly 3,230 tourist accommodations, including almost 200 hotels rated from 1 to 5 stars, Ho Chi Minh City is well-equipped to host a significant number of visitors. In Binh Thuan, promotional activities are being carried out in various forms to target both established and emerging markets. The province’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is maximizing the potential of its smart tourism portal, helping visitors access essential information while reinforcing its image as a welcoming and hospitable destination. Efforts to promote Binh Thuan include the creation of photo books, brochures, maps, and souvenirs such as wooden keychains and sand paintings featuring QR codes to showcase the province’s tourism potential. By 2025, Binh Thuan aims to attract 11.4 million visitors, 10% of whom will be international travelers, generating over 24.6 trillion VND (around US$1 billion) and ensuring that tourism contributes approximately 10% to the province’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).
