(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam received nearly 2.1 million international arrivals in January, the highest number in a single month, surpassing the previous record of nearly 2 million set in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement signals a strong resurgence for the tourism industry and sets a positive tone for the year ahead.
 Vietnam receives record foreign visitors in January |
China remained Vietnam’s top source market for tourists, followed by South Korea, Cambodia, the US, and Taiwan (China). Japan, Australia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand rounded out the top 10.
The record-breaking arrivals reflect Vietnam’s continuous efforts in recent years to revamp its promotional strategies, expand market reach, diversify content, and adopt innovative advertising approaches. Strong public-private partnerships, along with active engagement by local authorities, associations, and businesses, contributed to this success. New tourism offerings tailored to post-pandemic traveler preferences—agricultural tourism, railway tourism, night tourism, wellness retreats, and resort experiences—have gained traction.
Dr. Vo Tri Thanh, Director of the Institute for Brand and Competitiveness Strategy Research, said: "Vietnam’s tourism development revolves around key themes: experience, discovery, enjoyment, and community contribution. Creating emotional connections for travelers is essential for sustainable tourism and high-quality services."
Expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation has also played a crucial role in strengthening Vietnam’s tourism presence on the regional and global stage.
Mr. Le Tuan Anh, Head of the Faculty of Tourism Management and International Languages at Hanoi University of Culture, said: "More than 80% of international visitors to Vietnam arrive by air. The close integration of tourism and aviation is vital. Airlines are not just transportation providers but also key promotional channels that shape travelers’ first impressions of Vietnam."
At the government’s regular meeting last Wednesday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed tourism and services as key economic drivers. He stressed the need to improve visa policies, including temporary visa exemptions for certain traveler groups, to encourage longer stays and greater spending.
Looking ahead, Vietnam aims to build on this momentum, targeting 22–23 million international visitors this year, further strengthening its position as a top travel destination.