Vietnam enjoys growing tourism contribution to GDP
The direct contribution of tourism to Vietnam’s GDP was nearly 279.3 trillion VND (12.57 billion USD), or 6.6 percent of GDP, ranking 40 th among 184 nations in the world.
Foreign visitors at the One-Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The direct contribution of tourism to Vietnam’s GDP was nearly 279.3 trillion VND (12.57 billion USD), or 6.6 percent of GDP,🉐 ranking 40 th among 184 nations in the world.
The figures were released by the World Travel and Tourism Council in its 2015 report on the economic impact of tourism in 184 nations.
In 2015, the total contribution of the tourism sector to Vietnam’s GDP hit 584.88 trillion VND (26.32 billion USD), accounting for 13.9 percent.
The sector also created 6,035,500 jobs, accounting for 11.2 percent of total employment, including 2,783,000 direct jobs, or 5.2 percent.
Vietnam earned 213.39 trillion VND (9.6 billion USD) from international visitor exports, accounting for 5.6 percent of the total export value.
Last year, Vietnam welcomed 7.94 million foreign visitors, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
Investment in the sector also reached 113.50 trillion VND (5.1 billion USD), or 10.4 percent of the year’s total investment.-VNA
The tourism sector will strive to become a spearhead economy with a average annual growth rate of 11-12 percent by 2020, stated new Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien.
International arrivals to Vietnam increased 17.8 percent against the same period last year to reach 3,248,634 at the end of April, according to General Statistics Office (GSO) figures.
Localities like Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh, when reorganised, could form a new growth pole, leveraging their combined potential in ecological, historical, and spiritual tourism.
Gulf News, one of two English-language daily publications in the Persian Gulf region, listed the main reasons for its destination picks as being a mix of iconic cities, cultural treasures, tropical escapes, and foodie havens.
With the country rapidly advancing its plan to merge provincial-level administrative units, set to be completed by mid-August, the tourism industry, along with other sectors, is presented with challenges but also significant opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth in the era of the nation's rise.
Located at an altitude of over 1,500 metres above sea level, Sapa is dubbed the “Switzerland of Vietnam” for its temperate climate, breathtaking scenery, and European-inspired architecture.
A quick search for “Vietnam is calling” on TikTok reveals a myriad of clips capturing the excitement of visitors setting off for Vietnam, with short videos showing tourists holding their passports, wheeling their suitcases through airports or exploring Vietnam’s scenic landscapes, diverse cuisine and unique culture - all set to upbeat, catchy soundtracks.
The number of visitors increased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, while total tourism revenue surged by 48.8%, or nearly 88% of the year’s target.
“There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines,” according to Lonely Planet.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
Foreign visitors at the One-Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi (Source: VNA)
