The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism announced on 12/12 that it would host a ceremony to welcome the 20 millionth international visitor to Vietnam. This milestone event will take place at Phu Quoc International Airport on 15/12. On the same day, Vietnam will also honor the 19,999,999th and 20,000,001st visitors with certificates and gifts.

This achievement marks a historic first in the 65-year development of Vietnam's tourism industry, reaching 20 million international arrivals in a single year. It signifies a new development threshold in the sector's recovery and growth, highlighting Vietnam's growing appeal and new standing on the global tourism map. This milestone also affirms the robust recovery of the international tourism market post-pandemic and the confidence international visitors place in Vietnam. Furthermore, it sets the stage for Vietnam to pursue its goal of 35 million international visitors by 2030.

This success stems from the consistent direction of the Government and Prime Minister. They have implemented various tasks and solutions to boost tourism recovery and development, focusing on improving visa policies, expanding international visitor markets, enhancing promotion and advertising, and elevating the quality of tourism products and services.

Hon Thom cable car station area on 31/12/2024. Photo: Phuong Dinh.

According to a representative from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, relevant agencies are currently working to identify the 20 millionth visitor expected to arrive in Phu Quoc on 15/12. With stable growth in Q4 and a positive recovery in international travel demand, the Authority projects reaching the 20 million international visitor mark by mid-December as feasible and well-founded. The General Statistics Office also stated that the 20 million figure is based on the Authority's estimates, following Vietnam's reception of over 19 million visitors in eleven months, a 20.4% increase compared to the same period.

Data from the An Giang Department of Tourism shows that the province welcomed over 22.7 million visitors in eleven months, a 24% increase year-on-year, exceeding its annual plan by 8%. Specifically, Phu Quoc received approximately 7.6 million visitors, a 35% increase year-on-year, surpassing its annual target by nearly 5%. For international visitors alone, Phu Quoc welcomed over 242,000 arrivals in November, three times higher than the same period in 2024. Total tourism revenue is estimated at nearly VND 39 trillion, doubling last year's figures.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism assesses tourism as a bright spot in An Giang province's economy.

Tu Nguyen