International newspapers say Vietnam is leading in tourism recovery after the pandemic, what should the tourism industry do this year?

According to the General Statistics Office, in 2024, Vietnam will welcome nearly 17.6 million international visitors, a 98% recovery compared to the record level in 2019, the pre-pandemic period. This impressive figure has surpassed other famous destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Vietnam’s tourism industry aims to welcome 22-23 million international visitors by 2025, achieving total tourism revenue of 45-50 billion USD. In order for Vietnam to affirm its position as a leading regional tourism center and attractive destination, according to experts, the tourism industry “has a lot of work to do”.

Green Travel

According to Ms. Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang – Deputy General Director of Vietravel, in order for Vietnam’s tourism industry to continue its development momentum in 2025, to achieve an average growth rate of 10-12% per year, and to create 2 million more jobs in the tourism industry, Vietnam’s tourism industry needs to implement a number of development orientations.

“Develop sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism, increase the application of green tourism models, renewable energy and green technology in the tourism industry.

Next is to digitize the national tourism data system, apply AI and Big Data to personalize customer experience. Develop online tourism platforms, support information, booking, payment and automatic tour guidance.

Expanding potential international tourism markets is also necessary, such as Northeast Asia, Europe, North America and India; developing high-quality tourism such as resort tourism, health care tourism , MICE tourism,” Ms. Hoang listed the key tasks.

In addition, improving tourism infrastructure and services, supporting tourism businesses and tourism startups, strengthening international cooperation and regional connectivity; developing community tourism and enhancing local cultural identity – these are the things that Ms. Hoang needs to focus on to link with the Vietnamese tourism brand.

From the perspective of a business operating in three tourism markets: domestic, outbound and inbound, Ms. Tran Thi Bao Thu, representative of Vietluxtour, shared that businesses need to choose product quality as a sustainable competitive advantage, promoting online marketing strategies to markets and customer segments.

Increase international tourists’ experience at Vietnam destinations longer than other countries in Indochina inter-route programs; invest in R&D activities to continuously innovate tourism products…

Taking advantage of digital platforms, promoting the country’s image

To be an attractive, safe and friendly destination that always welcomes international tourists, according to a tourism expert, Vietnam will explode with three new tourism trends to attract visitors, which are green tourism, night tourism and heritage tourism.

However, this person believes that nowadays “everything is on digital platforms”, so it is necessary to rely on this platform to promote the country’s image.

“International tourists now often search for information and book services through websites and fanpages, so investing in online advertising targeting specific markets will help Vietnamese tourism compete effectively,” he said.

In addition, Vietnam’s tourism human resources need to be “upgraded”: well-trained, foreign language and communication skills; professional capacity in all aspects to international standards.