Vietnam Sets New Tourism Record with 21M Visitors; Long Thanh International Airport Set for Mid-2026 Launch
In 2025, Vietnam experienced a significant surge in tourism, welcoming over 21 million international visitors. This figure sets a new record for the country, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. The growth is partly attributed to the expansion of visa exemptions for travelers from several European countries, including the UK, Germany, and France. Following this policy change, arrivals from Europe saw a nearly 39% increase.
Alongside this growth, Vietnam is gearing up for a major infrastructure milestone set to further enhance its tourism sector. Long Thanh International Airport, situated outside Ho Chi Minh City, is slated to commence full commercial operations in mid-2026. The first phase of the airport is designed to accommodate up to 25 million passengers annually, providing much-needed relief for the bustling Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Despite the boost in visitor numbers, industry leaders note that many parts of Vietnam remain relatively unexplored. These regions present opportunities for travelers seeking authentic experiences away from the main tourist hubs. In addition, the country is prioritizing sustainable tourism development to sidestep the issues faced by destinations that have grown too rapidly.
The success of Vietnam’s tourism sector mirrors a global trend. Several countries worldwide are actively encouraging more travelers by expanding airport capacity, easing visa requirements, and launching international tourism campaigns. As per the World Travel and Tourism Council, the tourism sector contributed nearly $12 trillion to the global economy in 2025, accounting for about 10% of global GDP and one in three new jobs created worldwide.
Source: Vanguard