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With nearly 155 million outbound tourists in 2019, spending $255 billion, China is one of the world's largest and most important international tourist markets, including for Vietnam. In 2019, Vietnam welcomed 5.8 million Chinese tourists, accounting for nearly one-third of all international visitors to Vietnam. The number of Vietnamese citizens traveling to China reached approximately 4.5 million, also topping the list of Vietnam's outbound tourism destinations.
In June 2024, Vietnam welcomed 286,165 Chinese tourists, a growth rate of 180% compared to the same period last year. Notably, in May 2024, the number of Chinese tourists to Vietnam reached 357,190, achieving a 243.4% increase compared to the same period the previous year. This market has even risen to become the leading international market for Vietnam.
Vietnam attracts a large number of Chinese tourists for sightseeing and relaxation.
Since the beginning of 2024, the Vietnam-China tourism market has seen a resurgence with the launch of many new flight routes, diverse tourism products, and competitive prices. Airlines in both countries have continuously released attractive promotions and offers, stimulating tourism demand. Tourists have many transportation options such as air, road, and train, catering to diverse needs and preferences.
In June 2024, a charter flight from Hai Phong (Vietnam) to Lijiang (China) was launched, followed by the opening of the Hanoi - Haikou (Hainan, China) route, and most recently, West Air launched a new Hanoi - Chongqing (China) route with a frequency of 3 flights per week. This route opens up opportunities for travel companies and tour operators in both countries to develop tourism products, such as a 6-day, 5-night program exploring Chongqing - Chengdu - Leshan.
Conversely, China has consistently been an attractive destination for Vietnamese tourists in recent years. To capitalize on the potential of the Vietnamese market, many Chinese airlines have begun opening direct flights to key cities and provinces in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Khanh Hoa. Most recently, West Air launched the Chongqing - Hanoi route with three flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
With its magnificent natural landscapes, Vietnam is a popular destination for many tourists.
All countries, especially in Southeast Asia, are exploring policies to attract Chinese tourists. Vietnam is also compelled to promote Chinese tourists to the Vietnamese market. Vietnam is also striving to attract a better segment of the Chinese market, one with higher spending power, particularly in some areas of southern China.
The resurgence of the Vietnam-China tourism market is a positive sign for the tourism industry of both countries. With new flight routes, diverse products, and competitive prices, tourists have many attractive options for their trips. Tourism businesses in both countries need to seize this opportunity to develop new tourism products, attract tourists, and boost economic growth.
