Vietnam reported over 12.2 million international visitors during the first half of 2026, a 14.8% increase year-on-year, meeting 48.8% of its annual target. Domestic tourists numbered 81 million, reaching 54% of the yearly goal. Tourism revenue reached 569 trillion VND (approximately 21.66 billion USD), accounting for 50.5% of the annual plan. Despite rising visitor numbers, the sector faces challenges with average length of stay, visitor spending, and repeat arrivals. Tourism-related data remains fragmented across immigration, aviation, transport, accommodation, e-commerce, payment, and telecommunications sectors, limiting effective use.
Vietnam’s “1+34+N” National Tourism Data Ecosystem Model
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has introduced the “1+34+N” national tourism data
ecosystem to consolidate and standardize tourism data. The model includes one central national tourism data platform, databases covering 34 provinces and cities, and connections with multiple ministries, agencies, businesses, and organizations. The central platform will integrate local databases nationwide while facilitating data exchange with government agencies and private sector stakeholders, aiming to establish a unified and current data network.
Integration Timeline and Data Sharing Standards
Between 2026 and 2027, the initiative will focus on merging fragmented data sources from various ministries, localities, and enterprises into a core database. Starting in 2027, the Ministry plans to complete the shared platform and establish common data standards and mechanisms
to enable consistent data sharing and use. This effort aligns with the Party’s and State’s priorities on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in the tourism sector.
Existing Shared Digital Platforms Linking Stakeholders
Vietnam’s tourism sector has developed multiple shared digital platforms that connect government bodies, businesses, tour guides, and visitors. These include the national tourism database, a tourism statistical reporting system, a Tourism Management and Business platform, and a real-time tourism operations dashboard showing business indicators, bookings, and finances. Additional tools include the Vietnam Travel national tourism app, the Vietnam Card national tourism card, an integrated multi-modal e-ticketing system, and multimedia audio guide services.
Importance of Digital Transformation and Interoperability
Officials
emphasize digital transformation involves fundamentally restructuring tourism management, operations, and visitor experiences beyond simply adopting technology. Interoperability between local and central systems is crucial to prevent wasted resources and enable a cohesive digital ecosystem. The national tourism platform is intended to serve as the backbone for smart tourism development, supporting data-driven administration, forecasting, and personalized real-time visitor services.
Benefits for Local Authorities, Businesses, and Visitors
Adoption of shared digital platforms allows provincial and city governments and businesses to reduce costs related to investment and training while enhancing data connectivity. This integration eliminates fragmented data systems and creates a more consistent management framework that improves operational efficiency and
enriches visitor experiences. The ecosystem aims to enable data-driven decision-making and advance sustainable tourism development nationwide.
