Vietnam targets to welcome 25 million foreign visitors in 2026

Vietnam targets to lure 25 million foreign visitors in 2026, the Government News quoted the National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) as reporting  on December 26.

The tourism sector plans to increase the number of domestic tourists to 150 million  and tourism revenue to around VND1.125 quadrillion ($45 billion).

These targets are aligned with the sector's strategic mission to strengthen its position as a spearhead economic industry, contributing more substantially to national growth and global integration.

To realize the 2026 goals, VNAT will focus on removing policy bottlenecks; accelerating digital transformation in tourism governance and services; expanding global market outreach, enhancing competitiveness of Vietnamese destinations and promoting sustainable and high-value tourism models.

With a fast-expanding visitor base and rising revenue capacity, Vietnam is well positioned to enter a new growth phase—from recovery to acceleration, aiming not just for higher numbers, but improved value, resilience, and global recognition, VNAT said.

2025 - historic breakthrough year

In 2025, Vietnam's tourism industry achieved a landmark "triple growth" across its three core pillars—international visitors, domestic travel, and revenue, according to VNAT.

The country is estimated to have handled 21.5 million foreign arrivals and served 135.5 million domestic trips, while total tourism revenue surpassed VND1 quadrillion ($40 million) for the first time.

Globally, tourism continued to recover gradually, but Vietnam stood out as a regional frontrunner. International arrivals to the country in 2025 increased by 22 per cent year-on-year, far exceeding the global average growth rate by around 5 per cent and the Asia–Pacific average by 8 per cent.

VNAT Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh described the record figure in 2025 as a defining milestone in the sector's 65-year development journey. He attributed the achievements to effective state management, timely policy advisory, and the strategic direction of VNAT, amid continued volatility in global tourism markets.