Vietnam welcomed over 5.57 million foreign tourists in the first half of 2023, a 9.3-fold increase year-on-year, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

The figure is equal to 66 per cent of the total number of international visitors in 2019, prior to the outbreak of Covid-19.

The country also served 64 million domestic tourists in the period.

Total revenue from tourism was estimated at VND343.1 trillion ($14.47 billion).

Ho Chi Minh City led in terms of revenue, with over VND80.8 trillion ($3.4 billion). The city welcomed more than 1.9 million foreign visitors and over 16.41 million domestic tourists in the first half.

It was followed by Hanoi, with over VND44.8 trillion ($1.89 billion). The capital welcomed 12.33 million tourists during the period, a year-on-year increase of 42 per cent and including over 2 million foreign visitors.

South Korea remained the largest source market in the first half, with 1.6 million visitors, or 28 per cent of all international visitors, followed by China and the US.

Vietnam targets welcoming 110 million tourists this year, including 8 million international visitors. Total revenue is expected to reach VND650 trillion ($27.56 billion).