HÀ NỘI — Tourism in Hà Nội has recorded strong growth in the first four months of 2026, with total arrivals reaching 12.14 million and tourism revenue climbing to VNĐ50.86 trillion (US$1.92 billion), up 20.9 per cent and 22.8 per cent year on year, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.

The figures signal sustained momentum ahead of major public holidays, as the capital rolls out breakthrough measures aimed at attracting more than 12 million international visitors by 2030.

In April alone, the city welcomed an estimated 3.09 million visitors, up 13.3 per cent compared with the same period in 2025. Domestic travellers continued to account for the bulk, at 2.31 million, up 15.7 per cent, while international arrivals reached 780,140, up 6.9 per cent. Monthly tourism revenue was estimated at VNĐ12.65 trillion ($479.9 million), an increase of 11.2 per cent year on year.

The city maintains a large accommodation network, with 3,761 establishments offering more than 71,000 rooms. Of these, 66 hotels and serviced apartments are rated between one and five stars. Average occupancy in April approached 70 per cent, up more than three percentage points from a year earlier.

In addition, 61 establishments providing dining, shopping, entertainment and wellness services have met standards for serving tourists, helping enhance the visitor experience and attract larger numbers of travellers.

The travel sector continues to operate at scale, with nearly 2,000 international tour operators, more than 500 domestic firms and thousands of licensed tour guides. This reflects the capital’s growing capacity to meet diverse market demand.

According to Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Đặng Hương Giang, the sector is pressing ahead with key measures to improve service quality. As part of its tourism stimulus and sustainable development strategy, the city has introduced a range of new and distinctive tourism products under the message 'Green Journey'.

Hà Nội is promoting development that balances economic growth with heritage preservation, environmental protection and community responsibility. Two flagship tourism routes have been launched, linking the city centre with southern suburban districts: the Southern Thăng Long Heritage Route – Returning to the Roots and the Quintessence of Vietnamese Craft Villages.

Catching on to the growing demand for sustainable travel, the city has also introduced wellness- and education-focused products in Miền Village (Ba Vì District), a community-based tourism model rooted in the traditional herbal knowledge of the Dao Quần Chẹt ethnic group.

Preparations have also been completed for the upcoming holiday periods, including the Hùng Kings' Commemoration Day and the April 30–May 1 holiday.

State management of tourism has been further strengthened, with key plans and projects under way, including a comprehensive tourism development scheme featuring breakthrough solutions to attract international visitors. Programmes promoting agricultural and rural tourism are also being expanded across multiple localities.

At the same time, the city has stepped up destination surveys and connectivity, gradually shaping new tourism products linked to craft villages and cultural experiences.

Promotion efforts have been carried out in a coordinated manner. At the Việt Nam International Travel Mart Hanoi 2026 (VITM Hanoi 2026), the city’s pavilion, themed Green Tourism – Vibrant Experiences, attracted around 90,000 visitors, helping raise the capital’s profile among both domestic and international audiences. Hà Nội is also expanding international cooperation through tourism forums and conferences to tap new markets and strengthen its position as a destination.

Human resource quality remains a priority, with regular training programmes organised for tour guides and interpretation skills at heritage sites. The department is also advancing data development plans to support comprehensive digital transformation.

Looking ahead, particularly in May 2026, the tourism sector will continue implementing its development strategy with breakthrough solutions aimed at reaching the target of 12 million international visitors. Authorities will also work with local administrations to design promotion plans for the 2027–30 period, develop rural tourism in tandem with new-style rural development and conduct surveys to propose additional national tourism zones, including Ba Vì, Hương Sơn, the Hoàn Kiếm Lake area and the Old Quarter.

With coordinated efforts from policy to implementation, and despite external uncertainties, Hà Nội’s tourism sector is reinforcing its reputation as a safe, friendly and high-quality destination, poised for continued growth and ready for further breakthroughs in 2026. — VNS