Viet Nam’s tourism sector maintains growth momentum in first nine months of 2026

Specifically, the number of international arrivals in Viet Nam in the first nine months of 2026 reached 17.7 million, up 14.5% year on year. In September alone, the number of international arrivals in the country was estimated at 1.77 million, down 11.3% from the previous month but up 16.1% year on year. This was also the highest number of international arrivals to Viet Nam in September in the past five years.

Statistics showed that in the third quarter of 2026, international arrivals to Viet Nam were estimated at 5.4 million, down 1.1% from the previous quarter but up 13.8% year on year. Of this total, 4.6 million arrived by air, up 0.7% from the previous quarter and 13% year on year; 806,600 arrived by land, down 7.6% but up 14.8%; and 34,500 arrived by sea, down 43.2% but up 271.7%.

In the first nine months of 2026 as a whole, international arrivals to Viet Nam reached 17.7 million, up 14.5% year on year. Of this total, 14.7 million arrived by air, accounting for 83.2% of international arrivals and up 11.9% year on year; 2.7 million arrived by land, accounting for 15.4% and up 29.9%; and 243,400 arrived by sea, accounting for 1.4% and up 27.7%.

According to the statistics, the number of Vietnamese citizens travelling abroad in the third quarter of 2026 was estimated at 1.6 million, up 16.4% year on year. In the first nine months of 2026 as a whole, the number of Vietnamese citizens travelling abroad reached 4.3 million, down 21.2% year on year.

Earlier, a report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on September 25, 2026, showed that Viet Nam’s Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) in 2026 stood at 4.15 points, up 6.3% from 2024. Viet Nam climbed seven places to 52nd in the ranking of 110 economies.

It can be seen that the diversity of tourism products, advantages in natural landscapes, culture and cuisine, and relatively reasonable costs continue to be factors attracting international tourists. However, the above results also highlight the need to further improve product quality, extend visitors’ stays and increase their spending in Viet Nam. These are important factors for the tourism sector to enhance its contribution to the economy, alongside the goal of increasing the number of international visitors in the coming period.

The year 2026 has been identified as an important milestone for the tourism sector. Efforts to formulate and improve institutions and policies have continued to be stepped up, with a focus on advising on amendments to the Law on Tourism and documents guiding its implementation, while simultaneously implementing Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW dated August 22, 2026 of the Politburo on developing Viet Nam’s tourism sector into a spearhead economic sector in the new era.

The picture of Viet Nam’s tourism sector is showing bright colours, reflecting continued growth as well as affirming its appeal in the market. In the new context, developing green tourism, improving service quality, diversifying markets, and increasing tourist spending and length of stay are driving forces for expanding room for growth and enhancing the tourism sector’s economic value.