UK Joins Global Partners in Driving Vietnam’s Tourism Surge, Achieving 18.1% Growth with Nearly 5 Million Visitors in Early 2026

Published on March 9, 2026

Vietnam’s tourism sector has witnessed a remarkable surge in early 2026, with nearly five million international visitors recorded in the first two months alone. This represents an impressive 18.1% increase compared to the same period last year. The United Kingdom, along with the United States, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada, and other key markets, has played a significant role in this growth, driven by enhanced global connectivity, improved tourism offerings, and attractive visa policies.

Significant Growth in International Arrivals

In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam welcomed approximately 4.7 million foreign visitors. This surge underscores the country’s growing appeal as a premier travel destination. The increase in international arrivals can be attributed to strategic efforts aimed at diversifying Vietnam’s tourism market and improving travel services.

Air travel has been the primary mode of entry for international visitors, with over 3.83 million arriving by air, accounting for approximately 81.8% of the total. Land arrivals constituted 15.8%, while sea travel made up 2.4%. Notably, February 2026 saw over 2.2 million international visitors, marking the third consecutive month that Vietnam exceeded the two-million mark in arrivals.

Dominance of the Asian Market

The Asian region continues to dominate Vietnam’s international tourism market, with around 3.4 million tourists from Asia visiting in early 2026, representing 73% of total international visitors. Key contributors to this surge include:

• Republic of Korea (RoK): With 971,000 visitors, a 10% increase from the previous year, the RoK remains Vietnam’s largest source market, driven by popular beach destinations and convenient flight connections.
• China: Contributing 923,000 visitors, Chinese tourists are attracted to Vietnam’s rich culture and vibrant cities.
• Taiwan: Over 220,000 tourists from Taiwan highlight the increasing demand from this market.
• India: Indian arrivals surged by 71% year-on-year, totaling around 158,000 visitors, attributed to enhanced tourism promotion and expanded direct flight connections.

Impressive Growth from Southeast Asia

Vietnam’s neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia also experienced significant increases in tourist numbers:

• Philippines: A strong 72% rise in tourists visiting Vietnam.
• Singapore: A 35% increase in visitors.
• Indonesia: Tourist arrivals grew by 27%.
• Malaysia: A 16.5% increase in tourists.
• Cambodia: Notably, Cambodia saw a staggering 95.1% year-on-year increase, attributed to improved transportation links and geographical proximity.

Recovery of European Markets

Europe has shown signs of recovery, contributing 847,000 visitors to Vietnam, marking a 67.4% year-on-year increase. Key European countries leading this growth include:

• Russia: A remarkable 212.5% increase in visitors, with 247,000 Russians travelling to Vietnam, particularly to coastal resorts.
• United Kingdom: A solid 17.1% increase in visitors reflects a rebound from one of Europe’s largest tourist markets.
• France: A 19.8% growth in tourism from France highlights strong interest in Vietnam.
• Germany: A 17.5% increase further solidifies Europe’s growing interest in the country.

These increases can be attributed to favourable visa policies, including extended visa exemptions and streamlined e-visa procedures.

Contributions from the Americas and Beyond

The Americas have also significantly contributed to Vietnam’s tourism growth:

• United States: 210,000 visitors marked a 6.3% increase in arrivals.
• Canada: 50,000 visitors reflect a 22.9% rise in tourist numbers.
• Australia and New Zealand: Combined, these countries contributed around 130,000 tourists, a nearly 15% increase from the previous year.

Additionally, Vietnam saw a promising increase in visitors from Africa, with about 12,100 tourists, reflecting a robust 32% growth.

A Diverse and Balanced Tourism Market

Data from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) indicates that the country’s tourism market is increasingly diverse and balanced, with significant contributions from Northeast Asia, ASEAN, Europe, and beyond. This diversified market structure provides a stable foundation for Vietnam’s tourism sector, ensuring continued growth and competitiveness.

With a strategic focus on enhancing its tourism offerings and expanding its global reach, Vietnam is well-positioned to maintain its momentum as one of the most attractive destinations in the global tourism landscape.

As reported by www.travelandtourworld.com.

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Published on 2026-03-09 09:20:00 • By Editorial Desk