Quang Ninh: Tourism breakthrough

Possessing many advantages with majestic and magnificent nature and unique culture, attractive and diverse cuisine, Vietnam in general, Quang Ninh - Ha Long in particular, has been and is an attractive destination, prioritized by tourists. Tourism in the first months of 2025 is bustling, attracting both domestic and international tourists, which is a positive signal for the tourism industry to develop rapidly, contributing to economic growth.

In the first 7 months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed more than 12.2 million international visitors, an increase of nearly 23% over the same period last year. Notably, even in July, which is considered the low season, Vietnam still welcomed the same number of international visitors as the peak season in 2019 (before the Covid-19 pandemic). The peak tourist season for international visitors in Vietnam is usually from September to April of the following year. However, in July this year, European visitors increased by 38%, Russian visitors increased by 156%, and Chinese visitors increased by nearly 46%. In terms of growth drivers, Russia is the market with the highest growth rate when the number of visitors in July this year was 300% compared to the same period last year. These are rare numbers in the previous summer.

Regarding Quang Ninh tourism, in July, Quang Ninh welcomed over 2.52 million visitors, of which international visitors reached over 350,000, and overnight guests reached over 1.38 million. Total tourism revenue reached 7,560 billion VND. Accumulated in the first 7 months of 2025, the total number of tourists to Quang Ninh reached 14.6 million, up 13% over the same period, of which international visitors reached 2.62 million, up 19% over the same period, overnight guests were estimated at 5.12 million, up 12% over the same period. Total tourism revenue reached 36,700 billion VND, up 25% over the same period.

International tourists visit Ha Long Bay

The fact that international tourists choose Vietnam as their favorite destination has affirmed the value of destinations across the country, including Quang Ninh. In addition, Vietnam's timely issuance of visa exemption policies has created a big push for Vietnam's tourism to grow. This is not only a foreign policy decision, but also a lever to help Vietnam's tourism industry increase its competitiveness.

Recently, the Government issued Resolution No. 229/NQ-CP on visa exemption under the Tourism Development Stimulus Program for citizens of 12 countries, including: Kingdom of Belgium, Republic of Bulgaria, Republic of Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Republic of Poland, Romania, Republic of Slovakia, Republic of Slovenia, Swiss Confederation, with a temporary stay of 45 days from the date of entry for tourism purposes, regardless of passport type, on the basis of meeting all entry conditions as prescribed by Vietnamese law. The visa exemption policy when entering Vietnam for citizens of the above countries is implemented from August 15, 2025 to August 14, 2028. Previously, the Government issued Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP dated March 7, 2025 on visa exemption when entering Vietnam for citizens from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Japan, Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland...

The Government also issued Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP regulating temporary visa exemption for foreigners who are in special need of incentives to serve socio-economic development.

From the results of attracting international tourists achieved by the tourism industry, it can be seen that flexible visa policy is an important tool to increase the attractiveness of destinations, helping Vietnam compete better with countries in the region, helping provinces and cities have the opportunity to attract high-spending, long-stay tourists, thereby helping the tourism industry grow. Visa exemption also demonstrates Vietnam's spirit of hospitality, friendliness and openness to the world.

With new and flexible visa policies, Vietnam not only opens up tourism, but also proactively attracts talent, investors and high-class tourists, thereby contributing to the development and growth of the economy.

In order to attract domestic and international tourists, in recent years, Quang Ninh has continuously invested in and built synchronous and modern road, sea and air transport infrastructure, tourism infrastructure, services, and ports. Along with that, the provincial tourism industry has promoted the development of new and attractive tourism products, upgraded and renewed existing tourism products to increase attractiveness, thereby attracting tourists to Quang Ninh, with the goal of welcoming over 20 million visitors by 2025, including 4.5 million international visitors.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/quang-ninh-du-lich-but-pha-20250821142737776.htm