Vietnam's tourism ambitions depend on visa policy changes

Vietnam aims to welcome 25-28 million tourists next year, with industry experts suggesting that the target, while ambitious, is achievable if urgent issues such as visa policies are addressed promptly.

This year, Vietnam aims to equal pre-pandemic levels by welcoming 18 million foreign arrivals, with hopes of achieving similar figures to Thailand's tourism numbers in 2023.

Hoang Nhan Chinh of the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board noted signs of positive growth in the first five months of 2024, with nearly 7.6 million visitors between January and March.

Despite ranking third in ASEAN for international visitors in the first quarter, Vietnam continues to face challenges in visa policies and tourism infrastructure. Analysts stress the need for timely policy adjustments to enhance competitiveness and overcome existing bottlenecks.

Pham Hai Quynh, director of the Asian Tourism Development Institute, described the target of 25–28 million visitors as challenging, but possible with current efforts to revive the tourism sector. Pham Ha, CEO of Lux Group, highlighted obstacles such as bureaucratic visa procedures and service sector limitations, and stressed the importance of addressing these issues to attract high-spending tourists. Expanding visa exemptions to more countries and increasing direct flight connections are proposed strategies to achieve Vietnam's tourism goals. Industry experts advocate upgrading major airports such as Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat to accommodate growing international traffic. Achieving sustainable growth depends on attracting tourists who make significant contributions to the economy through spending, as opposed to budget-conscious travelers who may not maximize economic benefits.
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