Hanoi has launched an official plan to become one of Vietnam’s top tourism hubs, aiming to join Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang as the country’s three major tourism growth poles by 2030, according to VietNamNet News. The city is also set to lead regional tourism coordination efforts.
Policy framework and planning documents
The Hanoi Party Committee issued Action Programme No. 20-CTr/TU to implement the Politburo’s Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW, focusing on elevating tourism as a spearhead economic sector. Subsequently, the municipal People’s Committee released Plan No. 406/KH-UBND on October 19, 2026, detailing specific implementation steps for the 2026-2030 period.
Tourism targets and infrastructure expansion
Hanoi targets welcoming between 47
million and 50.5 million tourist arrivals by 2030, including 13 to 15 million international visitors and 34 to 35.5 million domestic travelers. Tourism revenue is projected to reach 295 to 340 trillion VND (11.43 to 13.17 billion USD), contributing around 7.5% to 8% of the city’s gross regional domestic product. The plan includes adding at least 10,000 new four- and five-star accommodation rooms.
Development of tourist areas and craft villages
Hanoi aims to have three sites recognized as national tourist areas and develop at least three craft or ancient villages into internationally competitive tourist destinations. This is part of efforts to diversify cultural and heritage tourism offerings
and enhance high-quality tourism services.
Emphasis on sustainability, connectivity, and quality
Nguyen Tien Dat, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, emphasized creating a larger, higher-quality and more connected tourism ecosystem with sustainable growth supported by better planning and distinctive products.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Van Sau from Hanoi University of Culture advised connecting heritage sites with art performances, traditional craft experiences, cuisine, creative design, and interactive activities involving local communities. He highlighted cultural assets such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and the Temple of Literature as key to enhancing visitor experience.
Pham Hai Quynh, Director of the
Asian Tourism Development Institute, stressed the development of event, night-time, and culinary tourism including international music festivals and street art programs. He also recommended stronger inter-local cooperation to integrate tourism products across Hanoi and neighboring areas covering urban heritage, craft villages, ecological tourism, resort options, and rural experiences.
Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, described ongoing efforts to review and reorganize tourism spaces sustainably, basing development on cultural values and applying technology to improve service quality and destination appeal.
