Tours

Vietnam’s Tourism Adaptation: Embracing Global Connectivity for Future Success

29 March, 2025

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THE HANOI TIMES – The resurgence and expansion of Vietnamese tourism in the post-pandemic era showcases the industry’s vast potential, according to Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.

Sieu shared his insights at the annual TPO conference meeting 2025 for Vietnamese members, which was jointly organized by the Hanoi Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO) in Hanoi on March 28.

He expressed his appreciation for TPO’s leadership in shaping emerging tourism trends and fostering effective collaboration between cities.

Sieu commended the active involvement of Vietnamese cities in TPO initiatives. Major destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Hue, and Da Lat are rapidly increasing their global appeal, contributing to the expansion of Vietnam’s tourism footprint in regional and international markets.

Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, delivers her speech at the conference. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times

The conference, themed “Crafting Unique Tourism Products: Elevating the Appeal of Vietnamese Cities,” focused on strategies for developing innovative tourism offerings, creating distinctive experiences to captivate international visitors, and enhancing the competitiveness of TPO member cities.

Networking Opportunities for Growth

In her opening address, TPO Secretary-General Kang Da-eun emphasized the organization’s mission to support the regional and global promotion of tourism as a vital industry.

She highlighted that this conference presented a significant opportunity to raise the profile of Vietnam’s tourism cities on the world stage. It enabled TPO members to exchange insights and best practices in destination development, set standards for quality and impact, and promote a sustainable and creative tourism sector.

The TPO conference. Photo: Jenna Duong/The Hanoi Times

TPO, founded in Busan, South Korea, currently has 137 member cities from 16 countries. Vietnam is proudly represented by Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Ninh, Da Lat, Danang, Haiphong, Long An, and Vung Tau.

Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, underscored the city’s long-standing commitment to its TPO membership, active participation in promotional activities, and relentless efforts to showcase Hanoi as a premier tourism destination.

She identified Korea as a key market for Hanoi, where the city’s cultural, historical, golf, resort, and MICE tourism offerings have been well-received by Korean travelers.

Giang also encouraged the TPO to focus on initiatives that enhance connectivity between member destinations, thereby meeting the evolving demands of global travelers.

Keeping Up with Global Trends

Dr. Pham Hong Long, Head of the Faculty of Tourism Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, shares his insights at the conference. Photo: *Dautu Online*

During the session “Global Tourism Trends and Vietnam Tourism Outlook,” Pham Hong Long, Head of the Faculty of Tourism Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, addressed the intensifying competition in the global tourism sector.

He emphasized that success in this industry will not be determined by the size or strength of a destination but by its ability to adapt, innovate, and build effective connections.

“As the tourism industry bounces back globally, destinations that quickly innovate and maintain strong connections will lead the way,” Long asserted.

In 2024, the global tourism industry experienced a robust recovery, with international arrivals nearing pre-pandemic levels. Vietnam welcomed 17.6 million international visitors, reaching 98% of the 2019 figure.

The first two months of 2025 also saw a significant increase, with nearly four million visitors, representing a 30% year-on-year growth, moving closer to the target of 22-23 million international visitors for the year.

Delegates visit Hanoi’s traditional handicraft booth at the conference. Photo: Jenna Duong/The Hanoi Times

Long identified several challenges, including rising travel costs, limited quality accommodations, and the impact of global economic instability. He also highlighted the growing preference for sustainable and responsible tourism, with 70% of global travelers expressing a willingness to pay more for environmentally friendly options, particularly those aligned with net-zero and reduced carbon emissions.

A booth showcasing products made from green rice, a Hanoi specialty. Photo: Jenna Duong/The Hanoi Times

Huynh Thi Mai Thy, Country Manager at Traveloka, underscored the importance of e-commerce and digital platforms in attracting Vietnamese tourists, especially considering the country’s high social media penetration.

She proposed four strategic approaches to entice international visitors: building robust destination brands, leveraging digital marketing and creative storytelling, fostering public-private partnerships, and prioritizing sustainable tourism practices as a long-term competitive edge.

The conference concluded with a commitment from TPO Director General Cho Jae-dong to further strengthen connectivity and tourism exchanges among member cities. He also invited other Vietnamese cities to join the TPO network to capitalize on cooperation opportunities.

In a notable development, Long An Province expressed interest in hosting the 2026 TPO Conference, an offer that was warmly received by TPO members.