Vietnam’s burgeoning golf tourism sector is set for a significant boost, following a high-level meeting between the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) and representatives from the DP World Tour Group. The meeting, held on June 10th, explored the possibility of hosting a major international golf tournament in Vietnam, capitalizing on the country’s rapidly growing reputation as a premier golfing destination.
Vietnam’s Thriving Tourism Sector: A Foundation for Growth
The meeting served as a platform to showcase Vietnam’s remarkable tourism recovery and growth. Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, Vietnam welcomed over 18 million international tourists and served approximately 85 million domestic tourists, generating approximately $32 billion in tourism revenue and contributing 9.2% to the national GDP. The country’s swift post-pandemic recovery has been noteworthy, with Vietnam boasting the fastest tourism rebound in Southeast Asia.
In 2024, Vietnam received 17.6 million international tourists and 110 million domestic tourists, generating an estimated $34 billion in tourism revenue. The positive trajectory continued into 2025, with 9.2 million international tourist arrivals in the first five months alone, representing a 21.3% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Vietnam aims to welcome 22 to 23 million international tourists and serve 120 to 130 million domestic tourists in 2025, with projected tourism revenue reaching approximately $40 billion.
This impressive growth is fueled by Vietnam’s diverse tourism offerings, centered around four main product lines: beach and island tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, and urban tourism. Supportive tourism segments, including health tourism, railway tourism, agricultural tourism, and golf tourism, further enrich the country’s tourism landscape.
Vietnam’s Rising Star: Golf Tourism
Vietnam’s strategic geographic location, favorable climate, and varied terrain have contributed to its emergence as a burgeoning golf tourism destination. The country currently boasts approximately 100 golf courses, many designed by renowned golfing legends. This number is projected to reach 200 by 2030. These golf courses are not merely fairways and greens; they are integrated into vibrant ecosystems encompassing luxurious hotels, upscale resorts, restaurants, and shopping areas, providing a comprehensive and appealing experience for golfers and tourists alike.
This commitment to excellence has garnered international recognition. Vietnam has twice been honored with the title of “World’s Leading Golf Destination” and eight times as “Asia’s Leading Golf Destination” by the World Golf Awards.
DP World Tour Group Seeks Vietnam Partnership
The meeting with the DP World Tour Group, a globally respected organization managing professional golf tours in Europe and worldwide (formerly known as the European Tour), underscored Vietnam’s growing prominence in the global golf scene. The DP World Tour, headquartered in the UK, plans to organize 42 tournaments across 26 countries spanning five continents during the current season, with a total prize purse of $153 million. Their interest in Vietnam reflects the country’s increasing attractiveness as a potential host for major international golfing events.
Mr. Wang Zi Ting, Head of the China Office of the DP World Tour Group, expressed his hope that the meeting would pave the way for collaboration with the VNAT to bring a DP World Tour event to Vietnam in the near future, with an ambition to establish a regular, premier annual golf tournament in the country.
VNAT’s Commitment to Collaboration and Growth
VNAT’s Director General, Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, responded positively to the proposal, stating that the VNAT would report the plan to host a DP World Tour tournament in Vietnam to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The VNAT pledged to act as a liaison, working closely with the DP World Tour Group to ensure the successful organization of the tournament, thereby boosting golf tourism and contributing to the overall growth of Vietnam’s tourism sector. Mr. Khanh also presented Mr. Wang Zi Ting with a commemorative gift. A photograph of this presentation was released by the Tourism Information Center.
A Forum for Growth: Promoting Golf Tourism in Vietnam
Further highlighting Vietnam’s dedication to nurturing its golf tourism sector, Mr. Khanh announced plans for a forum scheduled for October 2025. This inaugural forum will bring together golf course owners, investors, and managers to facilitate networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, ultimately driving the growth of golf tourism within Vietnam. This forum represents a significant step towards consolidating Vietnam’s position as a leading golf destination in the region and beyond. The forum is expected to foster strategic partnerships and drive innovation in the golf tourism sector.
The strategic collaboration between the VNAT and the DP World Tour Group signifies a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s journey to become a global golfing hub. The potential hosting of a major DP World Tour tournament, coupled with the upcoming forum, promises to propel Vietnam’s golf tourism sector to even greater heights.
