Vietnam Boosts Tourism Competitiveness with Diverse Events and Infrastructure Development

Vietnam is witnessing a vibrant tourism sector, with diverse events being held across the country to promote culture, economy, and tourism. These initiatives aim to attract both domestic and international visitors, leveraging Vietnam's rich natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality to solidify its position as a premier tourist destination. For instance, the "Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2026" in Khanh Hoa Province featured the "Ao Dai – Colours of the Sea" parade, with over 2,000 women participating. This event honored the province's maritime cultural heritage, boosting tourism and the marine economy. The festival, now in its tenth edition, has evolved into an event of national significance. Tourism is increasingly becoming a vital pillar of local economies. Vietnam boasts over 600 agricultural and rural tourism models, generating more than VND 25 trillion (USD 956 million) annually, providing a crucial income diversification for many rural communities. Digital technology is also being leveraged to preserve cultural heritage and promote rural tourism. In Xuan Hong commune, Ninh Binh Province, the centuries-old Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda serves as a centerpiece for initiatives that use digital tools to protect cultural heritage and enhance rural tourism, balancing tradition with economic development. Efforts are also underway to transform the unique natural assets of national parks into sustainable tourism products. Bach Ma National Park, home to one of Vietnam's richest biodiversity reserves, aims to capitalize on its natural resources for tourism while upholding long-term conservation goals. The Vietnamese government plans to implement a series of key tasks in the latter half of 2026 to establish tourism as a leading economic industry. This includes building a national tourism data ecosystem for standardized and shared data, enhancing infrastructure, and strengthening promotional activities to attract visitors. International cooperation in tourism is also growing. According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), Vietnam ranked fourth among the best-selling package tour destinations in the Russian market in July, indicating strong appeal. Under its one-party system, Vietnam prioritizes economic growth, with tourism serving as a key strategy. Amidst complex regional dynamics, the country is actively seeking to attract tourists from diverse markets, including Europe and Russia, as part of its economic diversification efforts. However, challenges such as underdeveloped night tourism and infrastructure gaps in some areas remain. Source: VietnamPlus English