Vietnam’s tourism sector has set a target of welcoming between 45 million and 50 million international visitors by 2030 under an adjusted national development plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045.
The revised plan outlines a strategy to position tourism as a key economic sector, emphasising sustainable, high-quality growth and stronger contributions to the broader economy.
Rather than focusing solely on visitor numbers, the sector aims to enhance value-added services, improve efficiency and generate spillover benefits for related industries such as transport, hospitality, culture, retail and creative sectors.
The plan highlights the importance of developing both international and domestic markets. While international tourism will remain a major growth driver, domestic travel, which has shown resilience in recent years, will continue to play a central role.
Sustainability is a key pillar of the strategy. By 2030, all tourist destinations and accommodation facilities are expected to eliminate single-use plastics and adopt environmentally friendly practices aligned with circular economy principles.
In addition to attracting up to 50 million foreign visitors, Vietnam aims to serve around 160 million domestic travellers and have tourism contribute about 14 per cent of GDP by 2030. The sector is also expected to generate roughly 12 million jobs nationwide.
Infrastructure development will be expanded, with a target of around 2.5 million accommodation rooms, while key urban centres such as Hanoi, HCM City, Danang, Haiphong and Can Tho will serve as major tourism hubs.
The plan also promotes stronger regional connectivity through tourism corridors and cross-border linkages, aiming to maximise the country’s tourism potential and expand development space.
Authorities said the private sector will play a leading role in investment, while the state will focus on policy improvements, digital transformation, marketing and workforce development to enhance competitiveness.
The strategy reflects Vietnam’s broader ambition to develop tourism into a spearhead economic sector and strengthen its position in the global travel market.
