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, with strong growth from European markets helping the country move closer to its annual target of 25 million arrivals, according to the new report from the National Statistics Office.

The country received approximately 1.85 million foreign visitors in October alone, up 4.9 per cent from September and 7 per cent from the same month last year, partly buoyed by concerts by the Republic of Korea's boy band BigBang in Hà Nội.

The latest figures reflect continued growth in international travel demand, supported by favourable visa policies, expanded international air connectivity, intensified tourism promotion and Việt Nam's appeal as a safe destination offering diverse natural, cultural and culinary experiences at competitive prices.

Asia remained Việt Nam's largest source market, accounting for approximately 14.6 million arrivals, or nearly 75 per cent of the total, in the January–October period.

Europe ranked second with 3.22 million visitors, representing 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).

Regarding individual markets, China remained the largest source of international visitors, contributing nearly 4.4 million arrivals. The Republic of Korea ranked second with approximately 3.37 million, followed by Russia with 1.25 million, and Taiwan (China) with 1.07 million.

These four markets each generated more than one million visitors during the first 10 months.

Europe recorded the highest growth among the major source regions, with arrivals increasing 51.5 per cent year-on-year. Africa followed with 30.7 per cent growth, ahead of Oceania (21.5 per cent), the Americas (18.1 per cent) and Asia (7.3 per cent).

The European market also made the largest contribution to the overall increase in international arrivals, highlighting the growing importance of long-haul markets alongside Việt Nam's established Asian visitor base.

Russia was particularly notable, with arrivals surging 150 per cent. Other European markets also recorded increases, including Poland (45.8 per cent), Switzerland (23.1 per cent) and the Czech Republic (21.9 per cent).

Some Southeast Asian markets also posted 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.

Australia and New Zealand also contributed to the expansion, recording increases of 21.3 per cent and 22.9 per cent, respectively.

However, arrivals from the Republic of Korea, one of Việt Nam's traditional major source markets, declined 6.3 per cent, indicating the need for further promotional efforts, policy improvements and new tourism products to maintain competitiveness in the market.

By mode of transport, air travel remained the dominant entry channel, accounting for 16.3 million international arrivals, or 83.2 per cent of the total, up 11.5 per cent year on year.

Arrivals by land reached approximately three million, representing 15.5 per cent of the total and increasing 27.1 per cent. Sea arrivals totalled 255,200, accounting for 1.3 per cent, up 24.6 per cent.

The tourism authority attributed the growth to a combination of favourable conditions, including Việt Nam's stable security environment, improved visa accessibility, expanded direct flight connections with international tourism hubs and increasingly diverse tourism products.

With two months remaining in the year, which is also the peak international tourism season for Việt Nam, the sector faces the challenge of attracting another 5.5 million international visitors to meet its 25-million target.

The Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism said localities and tourism businesses should intensify efforts to attract visitors through cultural and tourism events, refreshed products and improved service quality.

The authority also plans to organise further tourism promotion programmes in key markets, including China, South Korea, India, and Russia, to sustain arrivals growth and strengthen the foundations for tourism development in 2027.

The sector is also pursuing measures to improve tourism quality, develop culturally based products, accelerate digital transformation and promote cashless payments, with the aim of encouraging longer stays and higher visitor spending.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is also working on legislative amendments and new policy mechanisms to support tourism development, alongside initiatives to strengthen Việt Nam-China tourism cooperation during the 2026–27 Tourism Cooperation Year. — VNS