Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) Pham Van Thuy has outlined four key strategies to achieve the target of welcoming 25 million foreigners this year during the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s third-quarter press conference in Hanoi recently.

Foreign tourists stroll around Hanoi's Old Quarter.

The first plan focuses on developing distinctive tourism products tailored to what travellers want, coupled with stronger communication and promotion campaigns.

Thuy urged media outlets and broadcasters to collaborate with tourism sector on multiple-platform pushes suited to the multimedia age.

The second calls for business tie-ups for all-in-one packages spanning airport pick-ups, transport, lodging, dining and retail to boost spending by overseas guests.

The third involves stepping up domestic and foreign tourism promotion campaigns, while the fourth targets support policies.

Thuy said the ministry already rolled out an inbound promotion plan from March 5, with 4-5 more global campaigns slated through year-end targeting core markets, fostering links between Vietnamese and foreign operators for seamless, secure visits.

He hailed visa reforms as a “golden opportunity,” calling on the industry to capitalise on it by ensuring foreign companies clearly understand the new regulations, while advocating for tighter coordination among the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, and the VNAT to lengthen stays and broaden exemptions.

According to statistics, as many as 1.52 million international visitors were recorded in September, pushing the nine-month tally to 15.4 million, up 21.5% annually.

To meet this year's goal of welcoming 25 million arrivals, the industry must accommodate approximately 9.6 million in Q4, or 3.2 million per month.

Vietnam’s mountain retreat among Asia’s best resorts by Condé Nast Traveler

Located atop a hill overlooking the Muong Hoa Valley deep in the Hoang Lien National Park, Topas Ecolodge Resort is 45 minutes by car from downtown Sapa. The four-to-five-star retreat features 50 rooms designed in the traditional stilt-house style of the Tay ethnic minority, boasting stunning forest vistas all year round.

 

Capella Hanoi becomes Vietnam’s first hotel to receive Three Michelin Keys 2025

Notably, Capella Hanoi earned the prestigious Three Michelin Keys — the highest accolade recognizing hotels that deliver an outstanding stay experience.

 

VNR launches online ticket sales for Gia Lam – Nanning international train

The Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) has begun offering online ticket sales for the international passenger train service operating from Gia Lam Station to stations along the Gia Lam – Nanning (China) route, available through its official website https://dsvn.vn.

 

Six caves in Quang Tri named among Vietnam’s must-visit destinations

The renowned travel magazine Travel + Leisure has recently listed six caves in the central province of Quang Tri as must-visit destinations. They are Thien Duong Cave, Va Cave, Son Doong Cave, En Cave, the Tu Lan cave system and Phong Nha Cave.

 

New World Phu Quoc Resort named one of Asia’s top family resorts by Travel + Leisure

With the three-room Vietnamese design, where all spaces overlook the pool, New World Phu Quoc is particularly popular with families as parents can easily watch over their children from any corner of the villa.

 

Three new tours to explore Con Son - Kiep Bac world heritage

On the occasion of the 2025 Con Son - Kiep Bac Autumn Festival, the Relic Management Board has introduced three new tours associated with historical relics and scenic spots recently recognized by UNESCO as world heritage.