Vietnam’s tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with record-breaking numbers of both international and domestic tourists. This surge was highlighted at the opening ceremony of the Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) Hanoi 2025, held on April 10th, 2025, at the ICE Hanoi International Exhibition Center. The event, organized by the Vietnam Tourism Association (VTA), focused on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices, underscoring a commitment to responsible growth.
Record Tourist Numbers Fuel Industry Growth
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Trinh Thi Thuy lauded the VTA and tourism businesses for their contributions to the sector’s remarkable expansion. She noted that 2024 saw domestic tourism surpassing 2019 levels, while international arrivals also reached record highs, exceeding pre-pandemic figures. The first quarter of 2025 witnessed a particularly significant jump, with over 6 million international tourist arrivals – a 29.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, marking the highest number ever recorded. Furthermore, the number of Vietnamese citizens traveling abroad during the first quarter also hit a record high of 2.7 million.
VITM Hanoi 2025 Showcases Innovation and Sustainable Practices
VITM Hanoi 2025, taking place from April 10th to 13th at the ICE Hanoi International Exhibition Center, brought together over 450 booths, nearly 600 businesses, 60 tourism promotion agencies, 8 airlines, and representatives from 16 countries and territories. The event showcased a wide range of new tourism products, attractive tour packages, and unique eco-friendly experiences.
Technology’s Role in Tourism
This year’s VITM placed a significant emphasis on technological advancements, showcasing the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the tourism sector. A series of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) conferences facilitated networking and collaboration opportunities within the industry.
Showcasing Green Tourism Initiatives
Numerous localities showcased their exemplary green tourism models, while the main stage featured captivating artistic performances from both Vietnam and international artists. Businesses offered numerous attractive deals and discounts to visitors throughout the event.
A Forum on Sustainable Tourism Development
A key component of VITM 2025 was the “Developing Green Destinations, Upgrading Vietnam’s Tourism” forum, held on April 11th. This forum attracted 200-300 delegates, providing a platform for discussions on sustainable practices and industry best methods. On April 10th, the VTA also held an awards ceremony to recognize outstanding businesses and individuals in the Vietnamese tourism industry for their achievements in 2024.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism Practices
VITM Hanoi 2025 is expected to serve as a vital platform for tourism businesses to promote their products and services. It also presented an invaluable opportunity for localities to showcase eco-friendly destinations, contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tourism sector. The event underscored a broader commitment to responsible tourism practices, balancing economic growth with environmental protection. This focus on sustainability is expected to help shape the future direction of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
Emphasis on Domestic and International Growth
The record-breaking numbers of both international and domestic tourists highlight the significant growth and vibrancy of Vietnam’s tourism sector. Deputy Minister Thuy’s comments emphasized the impressive recovery and expansion following the challenges posed by the global pandemic, indicating a robust and positive outlook for the industry. The strategic focus on sustainable development through initiatives like those showcased at VITM Hanoi 2025 aim to ensure long-term growth and protect Vietnam’s natural resources.
Collaboration and Innovation Drive Success
The success of VITM Hanoi 2025 is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the VTA, businesses, and government agencies in promoting Vietnam as a premier tourism destination. The integration of technology and the emphasis on sustainable practices demonstrate a commitment to innovation and responsible growth. This approach is seen as crucial for maintaining the industry’s momentum while minimizing its environmental impact.
Looking Ahead: Maintaining Sustainable Growth
The significant increase in both international and domestic tourist arrivals underscores the considerable potential of Vietnam’s tourism sector. However, the continued success hinges on maintaining a balance between economic progress and environmental responsibility. The commitment to sustainable development, as demonstrated at VITM Hanoi 2025, is key to ensuring the long-term health and vibrancy of this vital sector of the Vietnamese economy. The event served not only as a showcase of current tourism offerings but also as a blueprint for future growth based on principles of sustainability and responsible development.
Vietnam’s tourism sector is experiencing a period of remarkable growth, driven by record-breaking numbers of tourists both domestically and internationally, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices for the future.
