Number of tourists soars during national reunification holidays

Vietnam’s tourism sector served an estimated 10.5 million domestic and international visitors during the public holiday from April 30 to May 4, marking a 31.2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

Nationwide, average occupancy rates at tourist accommodation facilities reached around 70%, with figures surpassing 80% during the first days of the break. The rise in travel was bolstered by a wide array of local festivals, cultural events, and tourism programmes held across the country, which not only attracted higher visitor numbers but also encouraged longer stays and increased tourism revenue.

Ho Chi Minh City, which hosted the grand ceremony on April 30 marking the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national liberation, emerged as the most visited destination, drawing approximately 1.95 million visitors, a remarkable 101.2% year-on-year rise. Among them were some 120,000 international visitors (up 122.2%), and around 867,000 guests staying overnight, a significant 333.5% surge. Tourism revenue in the city was estimated at over 7.13 trillion VND (274.54 million USD), an annual growth of 120.6%. Occupancy rates at accommodation facilities stood impressively high at 90–95%.

Other notable destinations included the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Ninh, and Khanh Hoa, with approximately 1.6 million, 1.13 million, and over 1 million visitors, increasing by 5.3%, 12%, and 3.63% against last year, respectively.

The capital city of Hanoi hosted about 875,200 tourists, up 18.64% year-on-year. Of these, 136,190 were international travellers, an annual rise of 55.35%. Tourism revenue, thereby, reached 3.15 trillion VND, a 25.21% growth.

This year also saw a notable shift in travel preferences. Rather than overseas trips, many opted for tours that revisit historic sites and revolutionary landmarks, as a tribute to national history and in honour of the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

A representative from the VNAT reported that no major incidents involving tourists had been recorded during the five-day period. International tourist arrivals continued to show strong momentum, even beyond the peak travel season. Meanwhile, accommodation and tourism service prices remained largely stable./.

VNA