2024: Anticipated Breakthrough Year for Vietnamese Tourism

Tourism activities are booming since the beginning of the year

During the 3-day New Year holiday (from December 30, 2023 to January 1, 2024), destinations across the country welcomed a significant number of tourists.

Vietnam’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable recovery, with a record-breaking 12.6 million international visitors. Photo: VGP

A wide range of unique cultural and artistic activities have been organized to attract tourists and provide entertainment for local residents on the occasion of the new year.

The Hanoi Tourism Department estimated that the number of visitors to the capital city reached 402,000, representing a 65% increase compared to the same period last year.

Among these visitors, approximately 72,000 were international tourists, accounting for a 2.1-fold increase, while domestic tourists were estimated to be around 330,000, marking a 59% increase. The total revenue generated from tourism activities during this period is estimated to reach nearly VND 1.5 trillion (US $61.52 million), representing a 73% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

According to information from the Ha Long Bay Management Board, Ha Long Bay received nearly 22,200 visitors (including approximately 17,000 international visitors) during the two days of December 30-31, 2023.

In 2023, Ha Long Bay welcomed nearly 2.7 million visitors, marking a 35% increase compared to 2022. International visitors accounted for over 800,000, and the revenue generated from these visits is estimated to be around VND 780 billion (US $31.9 million), representing an 80% increase compared to the previous year.

In Ninh Binh, the entire province welcomed 312,964 visitors during the 3-day New Year holiday, posting a 21.2% increase compared to 2023. This number included 29,448 international tourists, up by 147.4% compared to the previous year. The total revenue reached US $420 billion, which is a 10.52% increase compared to 2023.

The Countdown 2024 program and fireworks display in Hoa Lu Old Quarter, Ninh Binh city have been special highlights, attracting a large number of tourists. Photo: Minh Duong

Particularly, on January 1, Da Nang City welcomed its first three domestic and international flights for Tet 2024.

Da Nang International Airport accommodated 112 domestic and international flights, estimated to transport more than 15,500 passengers, including 50 international flights carrying approximately 7,500 passengers.

Aiming for over 17 million international visitors in 2024

Despite the significant recovery in 2023, the global tourism industry is still encountering difficulties and challenges as it enters 2024.

This situation arises against the backdrop of ever-evolving global issues, slower economic growth, and persistent inflation. Conflicts are occurring in various regions, while climate change is becoming increasingly apparent.

While the domestic socio-economic situation remains stable, with continued economic growth and controlled inflation, there are still risks associated with epidemics, natural disasters, storms, floods, and the adverse effects of climate change, all of which hinder production, business activities, and people’s livelihoods.

International tourists flocked to Da Nang in the first days of the year. Photo: VGP

According to forecasts by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), international tourism activities are expected to fully recover by the end of 2024, reaching levels similar to those in 2019.

However, the rate of recovery will not be consistent across all regions. The expectations of international tourists continue to evolve, demanding higher product quality, unique experiences, and greater diversity.

Technological advancements, such as information technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, will drive new tourism trends. There will be a growing emphasis on innovative tourism activities.

Based on these analyses and forecasts, the tourism industry aims to welcome 17-18 million international visitors and cater to 110 million domestic tourists by 2024.