According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in the first four months of 2024, Vietnam welcomed 6.2 million international visitors, an increase of 68.3% over the same period in 2023. Revenue from accommodation and food services in the past four months is estimated at VND237,300 billion, an increase of 15.3% over the same period in 2023.
However, tourism businesses are facing many difficulties. According to the Vietnam Tourism Association, the number of tourists on tours in the first four months of the year increased by only 2.2% compared to the same period in 2023. The average revenue per international tourist in the first four months of 2024 was only 1,100 USD, down 14% compared to 2023.
This is because international tourists increasingly prefer independent travel instead of package tours. Travel agencies mainly make profits from selling package tours, including meals, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing tickets, etc. However, when tourists travel independently, they often book these services separately, causing travel agencies to lose their main source of income.
Vietnam's tourism industry has great potential for development, but is also facing many challenges.
The trend of tourism development in the world in general and in Vietnam in particular has many strong fluctuations. Types of tourism are increasingly diverse, from independent travel, all-inclusive tours, sea tourism, long-term and short-term travel... According to estimates of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), by 2025, 800,000 workers will be needed at residential areas, while universities, colleges and intermediate schools training in tourism produce about 20,000 students each year. This is a very limited number compared to the demand.
The demand for human resources in the tourism industry is increasing, but the supply is limited. Some workers in the tourism industry are not properly trained, lack skills and experience. Some localities have abundant tourism human resources, while some localities have a serious shortage.
Vietnam's tourism industry has great potential for development, but to solve the paradox of "tourism growth, travel agencies 'hungry' for customers", and shortage of human resources, it is necessary for both the Government and businesses to join hands in innovating business models, improving service quality and promoting tourism.
