According to data released this morning by the General Statistics Office (GSO), Vietnam welcomed 1.56 million international visitors in July, a nearly 7% increase compared to June and a nearly 36% increase compared to July 2024. In the first seven months of the year, Vietnam welcomed over 12.2 million international visitors, a nearly 23% increase compared to the same period last year and a 25% increase compared to 2019, considered a golden year for Vietnamese tourism.

Vietnam's peak international tourism season typically runs from September-October to March-April of the following year, with July being the low season. However, the number of international visitors in July of this year matched the number of visitors during the peak season of September 2019.

Mui Ne beach attracts many tourists during the summer. The picture shows two international visitors kitesurfing, 7/2025. Photo: Viet Quoc

Mui Ne beach attracts many tourists during the summer. The picture shows two international visitors kitesurfing, 7/2025. Photo: Viet Quoc

According to inbound travel agency directors, this is a bright spot amidst global tourism challenges stemming from political instability, war, and stricter visa policies in many countries. With the current growth rate and visitor numbers, Vietnam is well on track to achieve its target of 22 to 23 million visitors by the end of the year.

Air travel remained the most popular mode of entry in July, with over 1.32 million arrivals, followed by road travel with over 234,000 arrivals and waterway travel with over 2,500 arrivals.

The GSO attributes the increasing number of international tourists to Vietnam's favorable visa policies, intensified tourism promotion programs, and numerous activities celebrating major national holidays.

Mainland China remained the largest source market for Vietnam in July with over 391,000 visitors, followed by South Korea with over 317,000 visitors. Other major source markets remained consistent with previous months, including Japan, Taiwan, India, Russia, Australia, and the US.

In terms of growth, Russia saw the most significant increase, with visitor numbers in July of this year reaching 300% of the same period in 2024. Other top growth markets included China and European countries granted unilateral visa exemptions by Vietnam, such as Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and the UK.

According to the May edition of the UN World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer, Vietnam's international tourist arrivals experienced the sixth-highest growth rate globally in Quarter I of this year, a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Within the Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam ranked first, followed by Japan and Palau.

Vietnam also ranked second in international tourism recovery (a 34% increase compared to 2019) and fourth in tourism revenue growth, with a 29% increase compared to 2024. In the Henley Passport Index's Quarter III ranking, Vietnam's passport climbed seven places from 91st to 84th since the beginning of the year.

Phuong Anh