HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam welcomed 19.5 million international visitors in the first 10 months of 2026, up 13.8 per cent year-on-year, according to the recent statistics published by Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

Notably, alongside traditional Asian markets, European markets recorded strong growth, making a positive contribution to the overall performance.

In terms of visitor markets by continent, Asia remained the largest source of international visitors to Việt Nam, with 14.6 million arrivals, accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the total.

Europe ranked second with 3.22 million arrivals, making up 16.5 per cent, followed by the Americas with 1.04 million (4.4 per cent), Oceania with 602,700 (3.1 per cent) and Africa with 59,900 (0.3 per cent).

Among the top 10 source markets for international visitors to Việt Nam in the first 10 months of 2026, China remained the largest, with nearly 4.4 million arrivals, followed by the Republic of Korea with 3.4 million, Russia with 1.25 million and Taiwan (China) with 1.07 million. These were the only four markets to each contribute more than one million visitors to Việt Nam during the period.

Other major source markets included the US with 808,700 arrivals, Cambodia with 787,100, Japan with 757,500, India with 744,600, the Philippines with 579,200 and Australia with 543,000.

In terms of growth, Europe recorded the highest increase at 51.5 per cent, followed by Africa at 30.7 per cent, Oceania at 21.5 percent, the Americas at 18.1 percent and Asia at 7.3 per cent.

Europe was also the largest contributor to the overall growth in international arrivals to Việt Nam. With its impressive growth, the region recorded the biggest absolute increase in visitor numbers, adding about 1.09 million arrivals compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, arrivals from Asia rose by around 992,000 year-on-year.

These figures highlight that while Asian markets remain the backbone of Việt Nam's tourism industry, the expansion and effective tapping of long-haul markets, particularly in Europe, are emerging as key drivers of tourism growth.

Notably, Russia was the standout European market, recording 150 per cent growth and remaining the region's largest source market. Other European markets also posted strong increases, including Poland (up 45.8 per cent), the Czech Republic (up 21.9 per cent), Switzerland (up 23.1 per cent) and Sweden (up 21.4 per cent).

Nearby markets in Southeast Asia also recorded strong growth, with arrivals from the Philippines rising 52.4 per cent, Cambodia 43.2 per cent, Singapore 28.9 per cent and Indonesia 27.1 per cent. Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand also posted solid increases of 21.3 per cent and 22.9 per cent, respectively, contributing positively to overall growth.

In contrast, arrivals from the Republic of Korea declined by 6.3 per cent, highlighting the need for continued efforts in policy support, tourism promotion and the development of new products to maintain Việt Nam's competitiveness in this key traditional market.

Overall, growth in international arrivals to Việt Nam in the first 10 months of 2026 was driven by contributions from both large source markets and those recording high growth rates. In particular, strong growth in long-haul European markets, coupled with positive momentum in several nearby Asian markets, is helping diversify visitor sources and create further opportunities for Việt Nam's tourism development.

A stable and safe environment, the expansion of direct air routes connecting Việt Nam with international tourism hubs, and favourable visa policies have made the country more accessible to international visitors. These factors, together with Việt Nam's enduring appeal as a destination with rich natural resources and diverse tourism products, have contributed to double-digit growth in international arrivals in 2026.

With 19.5 million international arrivals in the first 10 months of the year, Việt Nam's tourism sector has achieved around 78 per cent of its 2026 target of welcoming 25 million foreign visitors.

According to VNAT, considerable efforts will be needed over the final two months to meet the target, as this period is crucial for sustaining growth momentum and laying the foundation for the following year.

This requires localities and tourism businesses to roll out coordinated measures to attract visitors, organise more cultural and tourism events, refresh tourism products and improve service quality.

The VNAT plans to continue organising tourism promotion programmes in key markets, including China, the Republic of Korea, India and Russia, from now until the end of 2026. These efforts are expected to boost visitor numbers in the final months of the year, consolidate source markets and build momentum for growth in 2027. — VNS