Want to be in the loop?
subscribe to
our notification
Business News
VNAT EYES 25 MILLION FOREIGN VISITORS IN 2026

Foreign tourists stroll along a street in downtown HCMC - PHOTO: DAT THANH
HCMC – The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) looks to attract up to 25 million international visitors this year under a high-growth scenario while a lower scenario projects about 22.5 million.
The VNAT outlined two growth scenarios based on global conditions and policy effectiveness.
In the first quarter of the year, international arrivals amounted to 6.7 million, up 12.4% from a year earlier and the highest level on record. Domestic travel reached an estimated 37 million trips, with total tourism revenue at around VND267 trillion.
Global developments pose risks. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have driven up fuel prices, increasing transport and tourism service costs. Although the Middle East accounts for about 0.2% of total arrivals, indirect impacts on demand and business activity remain notable.
Under the high-growth scenario, the sector targets 25 million foreign visitors and 150 million domestic trips. In the lower scenario, projections stand at 22.5 million international arrivals and 130 million domestic travelers.

For the 2026–2031 period, three growth scenarios have been developed. In the most optimistic case, international arrivals are expected to grow 15–18% annually, reaching 45–50 million by 2030, supported by improvements in visa policies, aviation, and digital transformation.
To meet these targets, the sector plans regulatory reforms, stronger promotion, market diversification, and expanded digitalization.
Nguyen Trung Khanh, head of the VNAT, said that near-term priorities include implementing government policies to develop tourism into a key economic sector and revising the 2017 Tourism Law and related regulations.
Other measures include strengthening tourism branding, focusing on high-spending markets, and building a digital data system for management and promotion.
Longer-term priorities center on infrastructure development, product linkages, green transition, and improving business competitiveness.
Source: The Saigon Times
Related News
HOLIDAY TOURISM BOOMS, REVENUES SURGE ACROSS VIETNAM
The northern province of Thanh Hoa reported 1.72 million visitors, and obtained around VND4.33 trillion in revenue. Coastal tourism dominated, with Sam Son Beach attracting roughly 1.2 million visitors, the highest in the province. Early preparations and transparent pricing policies helped deliver strong results, as the province targets nearly 17 million visitors in 2026.
HANOI CITY WANTS NIGHTTIME ECONOMY TO CONTRIBUTE 5% TO GRDP BY 2030
Hanoi City aims for its nighttime economy to contribute around 5% of the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2030 under a new development plan approved by the municipal government. The Hanoi People’s Committee approved the plan for 2026-2030, with a vision to 2045, on May 9. The city expects the nighttime economy to become a new growth driver for its service and tourism sectors.
VIETNAM WELCOMES 8.8 MILLION FOREIGN VISITORS IN JAN-APR
International visitors to Vietnam in the first four months of 2026 rose 14.6% over the same period last year to over 8.8 million, with April alone seeing 2.03 million foreign arrivals, showed data from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT). It was also the first time the four-month figure exceeded 8.8 million. April marked the fourth straight month with more than two million visitors.
FOREIGN CAPITAL INFLOWS TO HCMC SOAR
Foreign investment into HCMC more than doubled in the first four months of 2026, while new business registrations surged, as Vietnam’s commercial hub accelerated reforms to achieve double-digit economic growth. Hoang Vu Thanh, director of HCMC’s Department of Finance, said at a meeting on May 8 that the city had attracted nearly US$3.3 billion in foreign investment since the start of the year, skyrocketing 127.1% year-on-year and equivalent to about 30.2% of its full-year target.
INVITATION TO AN GIANG PLANNING ANNOUNCEMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION CONFERENCE
In implementation of the 2026 local support program and in support of FDI enterprises expanding their investment in the Southern, IPISC – Ministry of Finance is supporting An Giang Province in organizing the An Giang Planning Announcement and Investment Promotion Conference. IPISC respectfully invites the Leadership of your esteemed organization to attend the Conference and kindly support the invitation of your member enterprises to participate in the event.
HCMC TARGETS VND1 QUADRILLION IN BUDGET REVENUE FOR 2026
Speaking before Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, and other top Party and State officials, Quang described the targets as a strong political commitment. Breaking down the revenue goal, Quang said the city has set a baseline target of VND964 trillion, up about 20% against 2025. To reach the VND1 quadrillion mark, the city will need to mobilize an additional VND36 trillion.
























