Vietnam sets sights on 50m int’l tourists by 2030

Dhaka: Vietnam is aiming to attract as many as 50 million international visitors and generate up to USD 90 billion in tourism revenue by 2030 as the government seeks to make the industry a major driver of economic growth.

Under a new tourism action program, the country plans to welcome between 45 million and 50 million foreign travelers while shifting its focus from visitor volume toward higher-value, sustainable tourism.

The government expects tourism to contribute 10 percent to 12 percent of gross domestic product directly by 2030 and wants Vietnam to rank among Southeast Asia’s top three tourism markets by scale and growth.

The strategy prioritizes travelers who spend more, stay longer and visit throughout the year. Vietnam plans to expand cultural, culinary, marine, island, medical and wellness tourism while developing large-scale tourism and service complexes.

Authorities also intend to strengthen the country’s global tourism image through a national promotion program covering 2026-2035. Tourism marketing will be linked with cultural diplomacy, cuisine, cinema, festivals, sports and international events.

Digital platforms and new media will play a larger role in promoting Vietnam, including through a proposed network of digital tourism ambassadors in key markets.

The government also plans to promote smart tourism, electric transportation, renewable energy, environmentally friendly materials and circular-economy practices across the sector.