Vietnam targets 7 million Chinese tourists by 2026

18-04-25

Vietnam is aiming to attract seven million Chinese tourists by 2026, an ambitious goal that reflects the growing importance of Chinese tourism in the region. This target is part of a broader strategy to consolidate Vietnam as one of Asia's leading tourist destinations.

To achieve this goal, the country has implemented a series of measures aimed at facilitating the arrival of Chinese visitors. Prominent among these is the 30-day visa waiver policy for Chinese nationals, introduced in December 2023 and extended until 2026. This initiative has been instrumental in increasing the flow of tourists, allowing for a longer stay without bureaucratic complications.

In addition, Vietnam is working on expanding direct flights connecting various Chinese cities with Vietnamese destinations. This improvement in air connectivity seeks to facilitate access and promote bilateral tourism. In parallel, marketing campaigns specifically targeting the Chinese market are being intensified, promoting the various cultural and natural attractions that the country has to offer.

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, has emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in tourism. Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent state visit to Vietnam from April 15-17 is expected to further boost this collaboration, opening up new opportunities for joint tourism development.

In 2024, Vietnam welcomed 3.29 million Chinese tourists, a significant increase over the previous year. China ranked as the third largest tourist sender to Vietnam, behind only Singapore and Indonesia. During the first two months of 2025, China had already become the second largest outbound market, indicating an upward trend in Chinese visitor arrivals.

Mint Leong, chairwoman of the Vietnam Inbound Tourism Association, has pointed out that the permanent implementation of the visa waiver policy between Vietnam and China could further increase the number of arrivals. She has also stressed the importance of regularly introducing new tourist attractions to maintain the interest of repeat visitors. In this regard, agro-tourism, especially visits to durian orchards, is gaining popularity among Chinese tourists.

Vietnam's strategy to attract more Chinese tourists also includes collaborating with Chinese online travel agencies, offering unique tour packages that combine cultural, gastronomic and nature experiences. These partnerships aim to provide attractive offers tailored to the preferences of the Chinese market.

Vietnam is implementing a comprehensive strategy to attract seven million Chinese tourists by 2026. Through favorable visa policies, improvements in air connectivity, targeted marketing campaigns and diversification of its tourism offerings, the country seeks to establish itself as a preferred destination for Chinese travelers. This approach will not only strengthen bilateral ties between Vietnam and China, but also contribute significantly to the economic growth and sustainable development of the Vietnamese tourism sector.

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