Vietnam recorded the highest growth in international tourist arrivals in the Asia–Pacific region during the first quarter of 2025, according to the May edition of the World Tourism Barometer released by the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism).

International tourists delighted to receive Vietnam’s flags while exploring Ho Chi Minh City attractions.

Vietnam led the region with a 30% increase in international arrivals compared to Q1 2024, and ranked second in terms of recovery rate, with a 34% rise over the same period in 2019.

Globally, Vietnam ranked sixth in international visitor growth, up 30% year-on-year and placed fourth in tourism revenue growth, with a 29% increase compared to Q1 2024.

This remarkable performance has made Vietnam a standout in the region, especially as Asia–Pacific continues to face headwinds and strives to regain pre-Covid-19 pandemic momentum.

The UN Tourism report noted that over 300 million international tourist arrivals were recorded worldwide in Q1, an increase of more than 14 million compared to the same period in 2024, equivalent to a 5% rise year-on-year and 3% above Q1 2019 levels.

Regionally, Europe remained the world’s leading destination, welcoming 125 million international visitors in the first three months of 2025, up 2% year-on-year. Asia–Pacific posted the highest growth rate at 12%.

In terms of recovery compared to Q1 2019, the Middle East led all regions, reaching 144% of pre-pandemic levels. Asia–Pacific reached 91%, signaling steady progress in its post-Covid rebound.

Despite ongoing challenges and cautious outlooks, UN Tourism has maintained its global forecast for tourism growth in 2025 at between 3% and 5%.

Ho Chi Minh City launches 2025 summer tourism stimulus campaign

Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism officially launched its 2025 summer tourism stimulus programme on July 1, unveiling a series of cultural and culinary experiences aimed at reinforcing the city’s image as a vibrant, welcoming and diverse destination.

 

Hoi An named world's 7th cheapest destination for British travelers

Hoi An in central Vietnam has secured the seventh position in a list of the world's best-value destinations for British travelers due to price increases.

Xuan Thuy aims to become a multifunctional ASEAN heritage park

Xuan Thuy National Park in Ninh Binh Province, a biodiversity conservation area home to many rare migratory bird species, has been recognised as Viet Nam’s first Ramsar site and is part of the World Biosphere Reserve. It is currently being nominated as an ASEAN Heritage Park.

 

Vietnam-Yunnan rail tourism sees strong growth

In the first half of this year, group tourist arrivals from Vietnam to China's Yunnan via Hekou had reached a record 27,200, up 74.68% year-on-year. The spike highlights a shift in travel preferences among Vietnamese tourists, with high-speed rail emerging as a preferred mode of cross-border transport.

 

Vietnam improves visa policy to boost tourism competitiveness

With a view to fostering rapid and sustainable tourism growth, Vietnam is professionalising its promotion strategy, focusing on digital technology and market diversification. Consistent communication campaigns, launched both domestically and internationally, will promote the new slogan “Vietnam – Travel to love,” highlighting the country as a safe, hospitable, high-quality, and experience-rich destination.

 

Geological trails

The creation of geological trails not only contributes to the preservation of natural landscapes but also paves the way for sustainable tourism development, gradually establishing Lang Son’s position on the domestic and international geological tourism map.