Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has published a tourism development action plan between 2021 and 2025, aiming to rank Vietnam as one of the top 50 destinations in terms of tourism competitiveness.

The initiative aims to increase public awareness about the need to develop tourism whist simultaneously making Vietnam an attractive destination for overseas visitors.

Within that time, tourism is forecast to reach 1,700-1,800 trillion VND ($77-80 billion USD), contributing 12-14% to the country’s GDP and creating 5.5-6 million jobs. 

Vietnam also aims to serve at least 35 million international tourists and 120 million domestic holidaymakers by that year.

The plan will also concentrate on using digital technologies within the tourism industry as well as the application of advanced science and technology.

Vietnam’s tourism industry will create a national tourism database, undertake surveys to digitalise tourism resources and establish a digital information system on tourist sites, tourist service venues and tourism markets.

The plans also stress the need to introduce smart tourism development projects, including the application of modern tech to develop smart software and bolster the management of tourism activities.

Moreover, tourism firms are set to receive support to enhance connectivity and modernise their activities, whilst boosting the green technology in accommodation facilities.

The tourism ministry suggested that financial policies should be implemented to support businesses within the sector, as well as a focus on human resources to offset the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Other initiatives also include streamlining administrative procedures, lowering costs for businesses affected by the pandemic, investing in tourism infrastructure and promoting global cooperation.