Along with continuing to implement promotional programs in key markets, effectively utilizing visa policies, strengthening international air connectivity, and improving the quality of products and services, in the first half of 2026, Vietnam is expected to welcome approximately 12.3 million international visitors, an increase of 14.9% compared to the same period in 2025.
International tourists beam with joy alongside their Vietnamese friends at the Temple of Literature – National University. (Photo: THẾ ĐẠI)
In the first half of 2026, the tourism industry achieved nearly 50% of its target of welcoming 25 million international visitors.
The Vietnam National Tourism Administration assesses that, in the context of a challenging global economy , ongoing geopolitical conflicts, and changing international tourism trends, Vietnam continues to be considered a safe, stable destination with rich cultural identity, competitive costs, and increasingly improved service quality.
In addition, the government’s continued implementation of a liberal visa policy, enhanced international air connectivity, and increased international cooperation and promotion to key markets have created significant momentum in attracting international tourists to Vietnam.
According to data from the General Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance), in June 2026 alone, Vietnam welcomed approximately 1.7 million international visitors, an increase of 14.7% compared to the same period last year. For the first six months of the year, the number of international visitors reached nearly 12.3 million, an increase of 14.9%.
With these results, the tourism industry has achieved nearly 50% of its target of welcoming 25 million international visitors in 2026, creating a favorable foundation for breakthroughs in the remaining months of the year.
In the first six months of the year, air travel accounted for the majority of international visitors. Specifically, 10.12 million visitors arrived by air, representing approximately 82.6% of the total international visitors, an increase of 11.4% compared to the same period in 2015. Visitors by sea reached over 209,000, an increase of 15.2% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, visitors arriving by land reached 1.92 million, an increase of 37.5% – the highest increase among the three modes of transport.
In terms of market size, China continues to be the largest source market with 2.7 million visitors. This is followed by South Korea with 2.16 million visitors. These two markets still account for approximately 40% of the total international visitors to Vietnam, affirming their role as an important driving force for the tourism industry.
In addition, Russia was the most notable market, continuing its growth momentum with 742,700 visitors, an increase of 185.8% compared to the same period last year. This growth helped the Russian market maintain its third position among the largest markets for Vietnamese tourism.
According to the Tourism Information Center (Vietnam National Tourism Administration), in just the first half of the year, the size of the Russian tourist market has far surpassed many traditional markets and is approaching the level of the entire year before the pandemic. This result clearly reflects the effectiveness of the restoration and expansion of direct flights, the increasing demand for beach holidays from Russian tourists, along with the advantages of Vietnam’s climate, resort products, and competitive costs.
Among the next largest markets, Taiwan (China) accounted for over 638,000 visits, the United States nearly 530,000, Cambodia over 509,000, India over 491,000, and Japan 442,000.
Intra-ASEAN tourism is on the rise.
In terms of growth drivers, Southeast Asia continues to emerge as one of the key drivers of Vietnam’s tourism industry. Among nearby markets, the Philippines leads in growth rate with a 67.6% increase, maintaining its position among the top 10 largest source markets.
In addition, Cambodia increased by 41.2%, Singapore by 29.4%, Indonesia by 26.5%, Malaysia by 23.4%, and Thailand by 10.0%.
The Vietnam National Tourism Administration assesses that this result shows the increasing trend of intra-ASEAN tourism, along with the advantages of close geographical proximity, a dense network of flight routes, and policies facilitating travel, contributing to making Southeast Asia a stable and sustainable growth region for Vietnamese tourism.
In South Asia, India continues to be a standout spot with a 45.6% increase, confirming the enormous potential of this market of over 1.4 billion people. In recent years, the opening of more direct flights and active promotional activities have helped Vietnam become increasingly well-known in the Indian market.
Europe was the fastest-growing region in the first six months of the year, with a 56.1% increase. Besides the impetus from the Russian market, many Western and Northern European markets continued to maintain positive growth momentum, such as: Poland with 52.1%; the Czech Republic with 30.1%; Switzerland with 25.7%; Sweden with 23.8%; Denmark with 18.6%; Italy with 10.5%…
These are markets that benefit from Vietnam’s visa exemption policy. Tourists from these countries also have high average spending levels and longer stays, making a positive contribution to improving the quality of tourism growth.
Distant markets continue to maintain a positive trend. Notably, Canada increased by 27.6%; New Zealand by 22.6%; Australia by 22%; and the United States by 18%… This also shows that the attractiveness of Vietnam as a destination is continuing to expand globally.
The fact that Vietnam welcomed approximately 12.3 million international visitors was achieved despite June continuing to be a low season for the international tourist market. At the same time, this was also the peak season for domestic tourism. Maintaining the number of international visitors at nearly 1.7 million with double-digit growth demonstrates the enduring appeal of Vietnam as a tourist destination.
Entering the second half of 2026, the tourism industry will experience favorable conditions as the peak international travel season from Northeast Asia, Europe, and North America will take place in the third and fourth quarters.
The Vietnam National Tourism Administration expects that, along with the continued implementation of promotional programs in key markets, the effective utilization of visa policies, enhanced international air connectivity, and improved product and service quality, the results achieved in the first six months of the year will create a solid foundation for the tourism industry to aim for 25 million international visitors in 2026, making a positive contribution to the country’s economic growth targets.
The fact that Vietnam welcomed approximately 12.3 million international visitors was achieved despite June continuing to be a low season for the international tourist market. At the same time, this was also the peak season for domestic tourism. Maintaining the number of international visitors at nearly 1.7 million with double-digit growth demonstrates the enduring appeal of Vietnam as a tourist destination.
Source: https://nhandan.vn
