The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the third most visited country in Southeast Asia, welcoming 17.5 million visitors in 2024 alone.[1] Vietnam’s vibrant and diverse culture, historical landmarks, breathtaking natural beauty, distinct cuisine, and magnificent traditional festivals continue to captivate travelers seeking an authentic Southeast Asian experience. Beyond its touristic appeal, Vietnam’s recent tourism boom can be credited to its tourism, immigration, and financial policies. Specifically, Tourism Policy 2017, extension to e-visa, and investment in the tourism industry with the goal of promoting Vietnamese culture, heritage, cuisine, and people.
The success of these policies is evidenced in their significant economic impact on Vietnam, as highlighted in recent reports. On February 2, 2025, the National Tourism Authority of Vietnam reported that the tourism industry generated 39.5 billion dollars, which is a significant year-on-year increase.[2] Google search data also reveals global searches for Vietnam have increased from 15-30% to 30-45% and rising as of January 2025.[3] The tourism industry is projected to host 35 million international visitors and 160 million domestic travelers by 2030.[4] These astonishingly large numbers arise from Vietnam’s commitment to establishing tourism as a national economic spearhead. This article discusses the success story of Vietnam by discussing these key policies and strategic investments that drive its tourism industry.
Tourism Policy 2017:
The first official policy on tourism development was introduced in 2017 and serves as a primary legal framework guiding the nation’s tourism development. Enacted by the national assembly and effective since January 1, 2018, the legislation is designed to establish tourism as an economic spearhead.[5] It is the most crucial tool that facilitates tourism in Vietnam by introducing investment incentives, streamlined regulations, and support mechanisms aimed at attracting private sector involvement.
The policy emphasizes reallocating and mobilizing resources for tourism development and grants organizations and individuals operating in the tourism sector the highest level of investment incentives including tax benefits and financial support. The state under the policy is committed to prioritizing funding initiatives for tourism promotion, strategic tourism planning, and the construction of infrastructure in favor of tourism development. Additionally, the policy supports high-quality tourism services, and product innovation that encourages local community participation. It focuses on three key areas within the sector– eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and community-based tourism.[6] Furthermore, the policy ensures a seamless travel experience for tourists by easing visa policies as discussed in the next section.
The effective implementation of the policy frames it as a blueprint for success. The Vietnamese government took proactive steps that translated the law into real-world impact. Infrastructure investments became a priority with the government allocating 120 million dollars in 2023 for expanding transporting networks, airport terminals, and public transit, improving accessibility to tourist destinations. Recognizing the importance of global outreach the Vietnam National Administration on Tourism launched aggressive marketing strategies and campaigns that led to its global promotion. Alongside investment and marketing the government also focused on community-based initiatives such as heritage conservation, promotion of cultural sites, and integration of local businesses and artisans into the tourism supply chain.
Immigration Policy:
Vietnam’s e-visa system has played a pivotal role in increasing international tourist arrivals by simplifying entry procedures and expanding access to a broader range of travelers. First introduced in the pilot program in 2017, the policy was significantly expanded in August 2023, allowing citizens from all countries and territories to apply for a 90-day multiple-entry visa.[7] This marked a major shift from the previous 30-day single-entry restriction, making it easier for long-term visitors and business travelers to explore Vietnam without repeated visa applications.
The streamlined e-visa process eliminates the need for embassy visits, enabling travelers to apply online and receive approval within three working days. The system covers entry at 13 airports, 16 land border gates, and 13 seaports facilitating seamless travel across the country.[8] The expansion aligns with Vietnam’s broader tourism strategy to position itself as a competitive destination in Southeast Asia, responding to growing demand with visa convenience in the post-pandemic era. Following these reforms, Vietnam recorded a significant increase in Visa applications with tourists from key markets such as Europe, North America, and Australia benefitting from the policy.[9] The government continues to refine the system, ensuring efficiency and security while maximizing tourist-driven economic goals.
In conclusion, Vietnam’s tourism policy is poised for even greater expansion as the government continues to refine its policy and investments. With a goal of attracting 35 million visitors by 2030[10] future efforts will most likely focus on digital infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism, and expanding partnerships with global travel markets. Vietnam therefore not only has the potential to sustain this tourism boom but also set new benchmarks for responsible and high-quality travel experience within Southeast Asia.
Jivika Bhat is a second-year majoring in International Relations and Public Policy. She is deeply interested in Southeast Asian security and geopolitics. Jivika is also working with the G7 Research group as a compliance analyst, research analyst at hart house social justice, and a second year rep at International relations society. At Synergy, Jivika is committed to bringing light to issues that Southeast Asia grapples with and thoroughly researching on security, diplomacy and policy within the region.
References:
- Phong, Hoang. “Thailand takes back the crown from Malaysia as Southeast Asia’s most visited country.” VNExpress International. Last modified February 6, 2025. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/thailand-takes-back-crown-from-malaysia-as-southeast-asia-s-most-visited-country-4846305.html#:~:text=Thailand%20has%20reclaimed%20its%20title,crown%20to%20Malaysia%20in%202023.&text=Malaysia%20was%20second%20with%2025,its%20target%20of%2027.3%20million.
- Hanh, Vu Nguyen. “Vietnam’s Tourism Boom During Tet 2025: Key Insights.” Vietnam Briefing News. Last modified February 3, 2025. https://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/vietnams-tourism-boom-during-tet-2025-leading-destinations-and-insights.html/#:~:text=Vietnam%20welcomed%2017.58%20million%20foreign,market%2C%20with%203.73%20million%20arrivals.
- “Law No. 09/2017/QH14 on Tourism.” THƯ VIỆN PHÁP LUẬT. Last modified June 19, 2017. https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/EN/Van-hoa-Xa-hoi/Law-09-2017-QH14-on-tourism/360188/tieng-anh.aspx.
- “Big News! Vietnam Approves Extending E-visas to 90 Days.” Vietnam Tourism. Last modified 2023. https://vietnam.travel/things-to-do/big-news-vietnam-approves-extending-e-visas-90-days#:~:text=From%2015th%20August%202023%2C%20e,facilitate%20international%20visitors%20to%20Vietnam.
- “Viet Nam’s Electronic Visa (or E-visa, Labeled As EV) Shall Be Applied for Citizens of All Countries and Territories.” Vietnam Embassy in Canada: ONLY OFFICIAL Website for Visas. Last modified October 21, 2023. https://vietnamembassy.ca/viet-nams-electronic-visa-or-e-visa-labeled-as-ev-shall-be-applied-for-citizens-of-all-countries-and-territories/.
- Thanh, Duong C. “Vietnam sets target to welcome 35 million international tourists until 2030.” Law Net. Last modified March 2, 2025. https://lawnet.vn/thong-tin-phap-luat/en/thong-bao-van-ban-moi/vietnam-sets-target-to-welcome-35-million-international-tourists-until-2030-176886.html#:~:text=Vietnam%20sets%20target%20to%20welcome%2035%20million%20international%20tourists%20until%202030,-Duong%20Chau%20Thanh&text=The%20Prime%20Minister%20of%20the,with%20a%20vision%20to%202045.
