Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has outlined a development plan aiming to attract 45 to 50 million international tourists and facilitate 160 million domestic tourist trips by 2030, generating between US$80 billion and US$90 billion in tourism revenue.
For 2026, the ministry targets 25 to 27 million international visitors and 150 to 153 million domestic tourist trips. Tourism revenue is forecasted at VND1.125 to 1.23 quadrillion (approximately US$43.4 billion to US$47.5 billion). The plan acknowledges potential challenges affecting growth, including geopolitical tensions and disruptions in air connectivity, along with high oil prices impacting both international and domestic travel.
Three Growth Scenarios and Target Markets
The ministry projects three growth scenarios through 2030. The low-growth scenario anticipates about 35 to 38 million international arrivals with 155 million domestic trips. The medium-growth outlook targets 40 to 45 million international visitors and 158 million domestic trips, while the high-growth scenario predicts 45 to 50 million international arrivals alongside 160 million domestic tourist trips.
Focus markets for international visitors include China, South Korea, India, and Russia, with efforts planned to strengthen arrivals from these countries, particularly China and Russia.
Economic Goals and Tourism’s Role
The development plan supports Vietnam’s overarching economic target of at least 10 percent growth in 2026. It aims to
maintain macroeconomic stability, control inflation, and balance key economic factors while establishing tourism as a driving sector in the national economy.
The strategy incorporates phased tasks from immediate goals in 2026 to medium and long-term solutions for sustainable expansion and continuous double-digit tourism growth through 2030.
Vietnam’s Position in Southeast Asia
By 2030, Vietnam aims to remain a leading Southeast Asian tourism destination in both market size and growth rate. The ministry projects sustained double-digit annual increases under the medium and high-growth scenarios, reinforcing tourism as a major contributor to the country’s economic development during 2026-2030.
