Vietnam Pursues Sustainable Tourism Growth Amidst Diversification Efforts

Vietnam is striving to establish itself as a sustainable tourism destination by leveraging its rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage. The recognition of Ta Xua in the northern province of Son La as one of the 26 must-visit global destinations for 2026 by India’s New Delhi Television has significantly boosted attention on the region. Ta Xua, characterized by its untouched scenery and minimal commercial development, is known as Vietnam's "cloud-hunting paradise." The "dinosaur spine" trekking route, widely shared among travel enthusiasts for years, exemplifies its allure. Efforts are underway to build a sustainable tourism model that maximizes the benefits of these natural assets while ensuring local residents directly profit from tourism. This aligns with the concept of "circular tourism," which contributes to environmental protection, preservation of cultural heritage, and strengthening the resilience of local communities. Domestically, Vietnam is also diversifying its tourism offerings. For instance, Bach Ma National Park is focusing on developing sustainable tourism products that capitalize on its rich biodiversity. Additionally, Quang Tri province is collaborating with the Vietnam Railways Corporation to create railway tourism products linking major heritage sites and scenic destinations in the central region, an initiative aimed at enhancing inter-regional tourism connectivity. On the international front, Vietnam's popularity in the Russian market is on the rise. According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), Vietnam ranked fourth among the best-selling package tour destinations in July, surpassing Thailand and China. This suggests that the diverse experiences Vietnam offers—such as colorful highland markets, traditional festivals, and centuries-old craft villages that remain an integral part of everyday life—are capturing the interest of international travelers. Hanoi aims to welcome over 9 million foreign tourists this year and has already achieved more than half of that target. This is a source of pride for the city's tourism industry and a positive signal of its growing appeal among international travelers. Vietnam is also working to build its brand as a new destination for Halal tourism by expanding Halal-certified services and strengthening international cooperation. In a new initiative to attract visitors, a special ticket price will be offered to all visitors aged 25 and under (born in 2001 or later) from July 10 to August 15, 2026. This aims to stimulate travel among young people and expand the future tourist base. Vietnam's strength lies not in a single attraction but in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture. Beyond its traditional appeal in city tours, MICE, shopping, and cuisine, the country is broadening its range of attractions to include coastal areas, eco-tourism sites, traditional craft villages, industrial tourism, and cultural, historical, and spiritual destinations.