Vietnam Tourism 2025: Record Surge to 20 Million Arrivals Fuels Business & Leisure Boom

Hanoi (TRI) – Vietnam’s tourism sector has delivered a stellar performance in 2025, crossing the 20 million international visitor milestone in mid-December – a new all-time high that reflects not just leisure demand but a growing wave of business travelers tied to the country’s manufacturing and investment surge (Vietnam National Authority of Tourism / VietnamPlus, 15 Dec 2025).

Through November, arrivals reached 19.1–19.15 million, up 20.9% year-on-year and already exceeding the pre-pandemic record of 18 million in 2019 (General Statistics Office / Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Dec 2025). Full-year estimates now stand at 21–23 million, with tourism revenue topping VND 85 trillion (US$3.4 billion) in the first 11 months – a nearly 20% rise.

UN Tourism highlights Vietnam as one of the global recovery leaders, alongside Japan, far outpacing the Asia-Pacific regional average (UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer, Nov 2025).

Leisure Remains Dominant – But Business Travel Is Accelerating

Traditional leisure hotspots continue to drive volume:

• Phu Quoc and Da Nang for luxury beach resorts
• Halong Bay and Hoi An for heritage and cruises
• Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for culture and gastronomy

Yet a significant shift is underway: business and MICE visitors are rising sharply, fueled by Vietnam’s manufacturing boom. Major investments from Samsung, Intel, Apple suppliers, LG, and Foxconn have turned provinces like Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, and Dong Nai into global electronics hubs. FDI inflows hit record levels in 2025, creating thousands of expatriate postings and frequent corporate trips.

This “bleisure” blend – business travelers extending stays for leisure – is boosting midweek hotel occupancy in HCMC and Hanoi, while new convention centers in Da Nang and Phu Quoc attract regional conferences. Visa liberalization (45-day exemptions for 29 countries, 90-day e-visas) has made short-notice business trips seamless.

Market Breakdown & Growth Drivers

• China (~4.8 million, +43%) and South Korea (~4+ million) lead, driven by proximity and factory networks.
• U.S., Japan, India, and Europe/Russia (Russia +190%) show strong gains, with U.S. executives increasingly combining site visits with leisure add-ons.
• Visa policy wins: Recent extensions to Poland, Czech Republic, and Switzerland (Aug 2025) open new European business corridors.

Business Opportunities for the Trade

Vietnam’s manufacturing-led growth creates rich selling angles:

• Corporate incentive programs to factories + beach extensions (e.g., Samsung plant tour + Phu Quoc golf).
• MICE packages leveraging new 5-star venues and direct flights.
• High-yield bleisure itineraries: Hanoi business meetings + Halong Bay overnight cruise.
• Investment site visits bundled with cultural immersion for C-suite travelers.

With World Travel Awards naming Vietnam “Asia’s Leading Destination” for the 7th time and targets of 35 million arrivals by 2030, the momentum is undeniable.

For operators: Prioritize Vietnam in 2026 Asia portfolios – manufacturing-driven business travel ensures year-round demand and premium rates, complementing peak leisure seasons.

Vietnam is no longer just beaches and heritage – it’s Southeast Asia’s rising business-leisure powerhouse.