Vietnam tourism poised to surpass 25 million international visitors target
WVR - Vietnam welcomed nearly 12.3 million international visitors in the first six months of 2026, an increase of 14.9% compared to the same period last year, achieving nearly half of the annual target.
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The results achieved during the off-peak period for international visitors demonstrate the increasingly sustainable appeal of Vietnam as a destination, laying the groundwork for the tourism industry to accelerate during the peak season from the third and fourth quarters.
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| International tourists interacting with Vietnamese locals. (Source: Tourism Information Center) |
Maintaining growth even during off-peak season
According to statistics from the General Statistics Office, under Ministry of Finance, in June 2026, Vietnam welcomed approximately 1.7 million international visitors, an increase of 14.7% compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively, in the first six months, the number of international visitors reached nearly 12.3 million, up 14.9%, achieving nearly 50% of the target of welcoming 25 million international visitors in 2026.
Not only has there been an increase in international visitors, but the tourism industry has also recorded positive signals in the domestic market and revenue.
According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in the first six months of the year, the country served approximately 81 million domestic visitors, achieving 54% of the annual plan; total revenue from tourists is estimated at about 569 trillion VND, equivalent to 50.5% of the 2026 annual plan. This result reflects the effectiveness of stimulus programs, promotional activities, and international cooperation initiatives implemented since the beginning of the year, contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnam as a destination.
Notably, June is not typically the peak time for international tourists, while domestic tourism enters its most vibrant summer season. Nevertheless, Vietnam still maintained international visitor numbers at nearly 1.7 million. This indicates that the destination's appeal is gradually overcoming seasonal factors and becoming more stable.
In the context of global economic difficulties and ongoing geopolitical conflicts affecting global tourism trends, Vietnam is still considered a safe, stable destination rich in cultural identity and competitive costs. Along with increasingly liberal visa policies, the expansion of international flight routes, and vigorous promotion in key markets have contributed to maintaining the industry's growth momentum.
By mode of entry, air travelers continue to dominate with 10.12 million arrivals, accounting for 82.6% of the total international visitors, an increase of 11.4% compared to the same period.
Notably, land arrivals reached 1.92 million, a 37.5% increase – the highest growth among the three modes of transportation, reflecting the growing travel demand between Vietnam and neighboring countries. Sea arrivals exceeded 209,000, up 15.2%.
In terms of market scale, China remains the largest source of visitors with 2.7 million arrivals, followed by the Republic of Korea with 2.16 million. These two markets account for about 40% of the total international visitors to Vietnam, continuing to play a crucial role in the tourism industry's growth.
Remarkably, Russia continues to be a standout with 742.7 thousand visitors, an increase of 185.8% compared to the same period last year, maintaining its position as the third-largest source market. This is also the fastest-growing market among key visitor groups.
The surge in the Russian market is attributed to the restoration of many direct flights and charter flights to beach destinations such as Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, and Phu Quoc. Additionally, the demand for leisure travel among Russian tourists has rebounded, while Vietnam continues to leverage its advantages in climate, resort products, and reasonable costs.
Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Ha Van Sieu noted that besides expanding air connectivity, the industry has proactively implemented numerous promotional programs in key markets, participated in international tourism fairs and forums, and strengthened cooperation with global partners to expand its promotional network. These activities contribute to enhancing the brand recognition of Vietnam tourism and creating momentum to attract international visitors from various markets.
Thanks to this impressive growth momentum, Russia continues to surpass many traditional markets to maintain its third position in terms of international visitors to Vietnam in the first half of the year. Other major markets include Taiwan (China) with over 638,000 visitors, the United States nearly 530,000 visitors, Cambodia over 509,000 visitors, India over 491,000 visitors, and Japan reaching 442,000 visitors.
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| Phu Quoc continues to be listed among the top 10 most beautiful islands in Asia in 2026 as part of the Readers' Choice Awards. (Source: Tourism Information Center) |
Diversifying markets, creating a foundation for sustainable growth
While Northeast Asian markets continue to play a pivotal role, the breakthroughs in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Europe are creating new growth drivers for Vietnam tourism. This is also a signal that the structure of international visitor markets is becoming increasingly balanced and sustainable, gradually reducing dependence on a few traditional markets.
In Southeast Asia, the Philippines leads in growth rate with an increase of 67.6%, followed by Cambodia with a 41.2% increase, Singapore with 29.4%, Indonesia with 26.5%, Malaysia with 23.4%, and Thailand with 10%.
According to tourism management agencies, the increasing trend of intra-ASEAN travel, along with advantages in geographical proximity, flight network, and travel facilitation policies, is making this region one of the stable growth drivers for Vietnam tourism.
In South Asia, India continues to be a bright spot with visitor numbers increasing by 45.6% compared to the same period last year. The addition of more direct flights and promotional activities has helped raise the profile of Vietnam tourism in a market of over 1.4 billion people.
Meanwhile, Europe recorded the highest growth rate, reaching 56.1%, with many markets such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland all maintaining double-digit growth. This group of markets has high spending levels, long stays, and contributes positively to enhancing the quality of the industry's growth.
Distant markets also continue to maintain positive trends, with the United States up 18%, Canada up 27.6%, Australia up 22%, and New Zealand up 22.6%, indicating that the appeal of Vietnam as a destination is continuing to expand globally.
The growth momentum of the tourism industry in the first half of the year is the result of many synchronized solutions, from visa policies, expanding air connectivity to renewing promotional activities and diversifying products.
Along with participating in many international tourism fairs and forums, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism also strengthens cooperation with strategic partners to expand its promotional network, enhance promotional effectiveness, and increase the competitiveness of Vietnam tourism in the international market.
Entering the second half of 2026, the tourism industry will enter the peak season of welcoming visitors from Northeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Along with continuing to improve mechanisms, policies, amending the Tourism Law, implementing the project "Developing Tourism into a Leading Economic Sector in the New Era", the industry will also promote digital transformation, enhance destination quality, and diversify products to better meet the needs of tourists.
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| Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong at the mid-year review conference of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. (Source: Tourism Information Center) |
Speaking at the mid-year review conference of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong emphasised that in the future, the industry needs to shift its focus from quantitative growth to enhancing the quality of growth; thoroughly research each market, strengthen links between aviation, localities, travel businesses, and accommodation facilities to develop competitive products and stimulus programs that contribute practically to economic growth.
With the achievement of nearly half of the annual target right after the first six months, along with synchronized solutions in policy, promotion, digital transformation, and product development, the tourism industry is expected to continue accelerating in the peak season at the end of the year, aiming to welcome 25 million international visitors in 2026 and contribute positively to the country's double-digit economic growth target.
