Vietnam charts new course for high-value tourism growth

Vietnam's tourism industry is entering a new phase of development, moving beyond rapid visitor growth toward sustainable, high-value tourism development. The shift comes as the country implements Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW, which designates tourism as a spearhead economic sector for the coming decade.

The strategic pivot builds on progress achieved over nearly ten years under Resolution No. 08-NQ/TW, which expanded Vietnam's tourism markets and boosted infrastructure investment. During that period, the sector steadily enhanced service quality and diversified its tourism offerings across the country.

However, policymakers have identified the need for a new direction. Rather than focusing primarily on visitor numbers, the updated strategy emphasizes generating greater economic value from tourism activities. This reflects evolving global tourism patterns and Vietnam's ambitions to strengthen its position as a premier regional destination.

The new resolution addresses emerging challenges facing the sector, including the need to develop more sophisticated tourism products and strengthen value chains within the industry. Officials view tourism as essential to Vietnam's broader economic development strategy in the current era, potentially generating significant employment, foreign exchange, and regional development benefits.