Vietnam currently has 4,346 licensed international travel agencies, a milestone announced at the mid-year review conference of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) on July 17, 2025.

This figure includes 1,326 joint-stock companies, 3,014 limited liability companies, and six private enterprises.

According to MoCST's report, Vietnam welcomed approximately 10.66 million international visitors in the first six months of 2025, marking a 20.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Domestic tourism also saw robust performance with an estimated 77.5 million local trips. Tourism revenue reached 518 trillion VND (around USD 20.4 billion).

June alone saw 1.46 million international arrivals, a 4.3% decrease from May, yet a 17.1% year-over-year increase. Domestic travelers totaled around 16 million for the month, including over 10.7 million overnight stays.

In the same period, the Ministry processed 510 applications related to international tour operator licenses, including 230 new issuances, 201 renewals, 4 reissues, and 75 revocations.

The country has also issued 44,126 tour guide licenses, comprising 26,065 international guide cards, 15,900 domestic, and 2,161 site-specific.

Vietnam now boasts 282 five-star hotels with 93,728 rooms and 350 four-star properties with 48,789 rooms. The Ministry issued 73 decisions recognizing new or updated four- and five-star ratings in the first half of the year.

Promotional campaigns and international outreach

The tourism sector launched multiple promotional programs, including Vietnam’s presence at European fairs (in Italy, Switzerland, France, Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany), the Cannes Film Festival, and the P4G Summit 2025.

Other key developments include Vietnam’s tourism showcase in Russia, campaigns in North America, Australia, India, and China, as well as participation in WTM London 2025. The Ministry is also preparing to host major international tourism summits in 2026, including ASEAN and CLV ministerial meetings.

Notable regional achievements

Major cities and provinces reported strong tourism performance:

Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 22.19 million tourists (including 3.86 million international), with total revenue of 117.94 trillion VND (~USD 4.65 billion).

Hanoi received 15.55 million visitors, including 3.66 million international, generating 62.3 trillion VND (~USD 2.45 billion).

Quang Ninh reported 12.08 million visitors and 29.14 trillion VND (~USD 1.15 billion) in revenue.

Thanh Hoa reached 10.49 million visitors with 26.35 trillion VND (~USD 1.04 billion) in tourism earnings.

Ninh Binh served 7.2 million tourists, including 1.02 million international arrivals, earning 7.72 trillion VND (USD 304 million).

Nghe An, Binh Thuan, Lâm Dong, and Khánh Hoa all recorded significant growth, with tourism revenues ranging from 7.7 to 31 trillion VND (USD 300 million to 1.22 billion).

Global recognition for Vietnamese tourism

Vietnam received significant international accolades in early 2025:

Hanoi was ranked among the world’s top cultural destinations by Tripadvisor, placing 2nd in the “Top 25 Cultural Destinations,” 7th overall, and 14th in the “All-Time Favorites” on the site’s 25th anniversary.

Ha Nam earned the title “Asia’s Emerging Leading Destination” at the 2024 World Travel Awards.

Da Lat was honored with three titles at the Asia Festival Awards in South Korea: Asia Flower and Garden Festival 2025, Asia Pinnacle Awards, and Best Eco-Friendly Festival.

Lonely Planet ranked Vietnam’s Reunification Express (North-South railway) first among the world’s 24 greatest train journeys in 2025.

Phu Quoc was recognized by Travel Off Path as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourism destination.

Nha Trang topped summer travel preferences among South Korean tourists.

With its slogan “Vietnam - Go for Love,” the tourism sector continues to build momentum through innovation, quality improvements, and regional cooperation. The remaining months of 2025 will see enhanced efforts in green tourism, international partnerships, and the launch of new cultural and culinary promotion programs.

PV