Vietnam's Tourism Sector Transitions to High Value, Driven by Digital and Green Initiatives

Vietnam's tourism industry is embracing digitalization and green initiatives as key strategic pillars for rapid and sustainable development, driven by rapid technological advancements and growing concerns over climate change. Domestic tourism is experiencing significant growth. In the first seven months of this year, Ninh Binh province welcomed an estimated 18.7 million visitors, a 23.34% year-on-year increase. International arrivals also surpassed 2 million, contributing to Vietnam achieving about 56% of its annual target of 25 million foreign visitors. Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA), advocates for strengthened regional cooperation. He suggests that provinces should develop integrated tourism routes linking Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Ninh Binh with neighboring areas. This approach aims to foster complementary tourism products over isolated competition. Traveler preferences are also evolving. According to Booking.com, 85% of Vietnamese travelers prioritize sustainable travel, with a similar proportion wanting their trips to positively impact destinations. In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can reduce their carbon footprint and experience authentic urban life by opting for walking, cycling, double-decker buses, and metro systems. Phu Quoc Island is solidifying its position as a premium resort destination, recognized by Expedia among the "10 Best Islands to Visit in 2026" for offering high-quality holidays at reasonable prices. The island is transitioning from a traditional beach holiday to a full-day experience destination. Hanoi's street food, with its rich culinary diversity, distinctive flavors, and affordable prices, continues to be a signature tourism product attracting international visitors. From January to July 2025, Hanoi saw a 25% increase in international visitors and an 11.9% rise in domestic tourists. Ho Chi Minh City also reported strong tourism figures, welcoming over 7.1 million international visitors from January to July, a 42.7% year-on-year increase. Domestic tourists reached 31.6 million, and tourism revenue surged 55.3% to nearly 237.5 trillion VND (9.01 billion USD), achieving 72% of the year's target. Vietnam is well-positioned to develop wedding tourism into a specialized product, leveraging its scenic landscapes, developing infrastructure, and capacity to host large-scale events. This strategy aims to attract high-spending visitors and enhance the destination's competitiveness. Furthermore, cultural attractions are gaining prominence. The Hudson Rooms, a rooftop bar in Hanoi, was ranked 46th in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026, marking a significant achievement for Vietnam in a respected global ranking. These developments are contributing to reinforcing Vietnam's position as a culturally rich and compelling destination on the global tourism map. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.