A breathtaking view of Bai Doi, Yen Island. (Source: Screenshot from the captivating tourism promotion video, “Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa: Touching Your Heart!”)

Hanoi – A string of positive developments has the tourism industry buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Since the turn of the year, encouraging signs, including the highly anticipated return of Russian tourists, have sparked optimism for a booming season ahead.

The absence of Russian visitors, a key market, over the past three years has left a notable gap. However, March marks a turning point with 12 charter flights scheduled to bring Russian guests to the stunning beach city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province. This frequency is just the beginning, with expectations of 50-55 flights per month between April and June, surging to 90-100 flights from July onwards. Russia has long been a significant source of tourism for Khanh Hoa, and the resumption of direct flights, previously halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is a huge boost for local businesses.

The revival of direct flights is injecting new life into the local economy, with shopping, dining, and entertainment services in Nha Trang and beyond, thriving once again. This positive momentum is further enhanced by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s recent directive to establish free trade zones (FTZs) in the central city of Da Nang and Can Gio district in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, the proposal for an FTZ near the Long Thanh International Airport and Phuoc An port in Dong Nai province underscores the growing potential for tourism-related businesses.

Two Russian tourists capture memories at the Ponagar Tower relic site in Khanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA)

Cruise tourism is also experiencing a strong resurgence, with major operators welcoming tens of thousands of passengers to iconic destinations like Ha Long Bay, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Ho Chi Minh City. The MICE sector is equally vibrant, attracting large-scale corporate trips from prominent Indian businesses. Vietnam’s allure as a destination is further emphasized by its growing popularity for lavish Indian billionaire weddings, with recent high-profile ceremonies held in Ha Long Bay and Phu Quoc.

The tourism industry’s resilience is evident in its financial performance. In 2024, the sector generated approximately 840 trillion VND (32.96 billion USD) in revenue, an impressive increase of 85 trillion VND compared to 2019, pre-pandemic. With an ambitious target of 22-23 million international visitors and 120-130 million domestic tourists in 2025, the industry is poised for a full rebound, aiming for revenue between 980 trillion and 1.05 quadrillion VND.

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