National Day Break Boosts Tourism Gains, Driving Sustainable Growth Strategy

Vietnam has recorded a significant increase in domestic and international visitors across its major tourist hubs during the National Day holiday break. This trend highlights Vietnam's strategic shift towards sustainable growth, positioning tourism as a key economic sector. For many localities, seasonality has long been a challenge, with tourism peaking in summer but declining during the rainy months. In response, tourism authorities and local communities are actively restructuring their tourism ecosystems and developing products for year-round operation. For instance, Hanoi is increasingly designing tourism events to inspire exploration beyond individual festivals, incorporating handicraft workshops, virtual reality experiences, and new tour programs to showcase the city's multifaceted appeal. Da Nang is stepping up efforts to integrate cuisine into tourism itineraries, linking culinary promotion with destination branding and cultural preservation. The shift in traveler preferences towards authentic, immersive experiences is also influencing Vietnam's tourism strategy. Visitors increasingly seek opportunities to live and connect with destinations, interact with local people, and engage in small-group, personalized trips with minimal environmental impact and clear community benefits. This is evident in destinations like Phu Quoc, where the concept of "affordable luxury" is gaining traction, leading to a surge in search volume for high-end resort experiences at accessible price points, showcasing Vietnam's potential to offer quality tourism services to the international market. Furthermore, Vietnam has identified MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) as a strategic tourism product, aiming to attract high-quality visitors, boost trade and investment, and enhance national competitiveness. Regional cooperation is also strengthening, with joint action programs among CLMV countries reporting increased visitor numbers and tourism revenue. The joint action plan for ACMECS tourism cooperation for 2026–2028 focuses on five key pillars: improving connectivity, digital transformation, ecotourism, community-based tourism, security, and human resource development. The upgrading of railway networks, such as the route connecting Hue to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, will enhance access to historical and natural heritage sites, fostering the development of new tourism routes. These initiatives underscore Vietnam's commitment to balancing economic growth with the preservation of its culture and environment through the tourism sector. Source: VietnamPlus English