International arrivals to Vietnam hit all-time high in Q1

Vietnam’s tourism sector set a new record in the first quarter of 2025 with over six million international visitors, representing a 29.6 percent year-on-year increase and marking the highest-ever quarterly figure, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

The growth also marked a 134-percent surge compared to the same period in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and helped generate an estimated VND242 trillion (US$9.32 billion) in revenue during the quarter.

In March alone, the Southeast Asian country welcomed more than 2.05 million foreign visitors, up nearly 29 percent from the same period in 2024.

Among Vietnam’s 10 largest tourism markets, China ranked first with 1.58 million arrivals, up 78.3 percent year on year.

It was followed by South Korea with 1.26 million arrivals, a 2.2-percent climb.

Together, these two markets accounted for 47 percent of total international arrivals.

Other significant contributors included Taiwan with 331,000 visitors and the United States with 259,000.

Notably, Southeast Asian markets such as Cambodia and the Philippines reported strong growth, with arrivals rising 105.6 percent and 95.1 percent, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

European markets also posted positive trends, with France recording a 28.3 percent jump in arrivals, followed by the United Kingdom with 23.5 percent and Germany with 23.3 percent.

Russia stood out with a remarkable 110.5 percent surge in visitor numbers.

The Polish and Swiss markets also recorded increases of 52.9 percent and 14.1 percent, respectively.

This growth is attributed to Vietnam’s 45-day visa exemption policy for citizens of Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, valid from early March through the end of the year under a program launched by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Additionally, on March 7, the Vietnamese government issued a resolution, which took effect on March 15, extending 45-day visa exemptions until March 14, 2028 for citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

Tourism experts have attributed the surge in international arrivals to effective promotional campaigns, relaxed visa policies targeting key source markets, and Vietnam’s appeal as a cost-effective destination amid global economic uncertainties.

Vietnam is pursuing its ambitious goal of welcoming 22-23 million international visitors by the end of 2025.

Vinh Tho - Thao Thuong / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/04/09-18:27)