Chinese interest in Vietnam tourism returns to almost pre-pandemic levels

Chinese tourist in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

The number of Chinese tourists interested in traveling to Vietnam during the 2024 Lunar New Year reached 95% compared to the 2020 Lunar New Year - before travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic were applied nationwide.

Mr. Vu Ngoc Lam, Agoda’s Director in Vietnam, stated: “According to statistics from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, mainland Chinese tourists were the largest source of tourism revenue for Vietnam in 2019, accounting for nearly one third of the total number of visitors to the country. The search figures for this Tet holiday almost reaching pre-pandemic levels is a positive signal for Vietnam’s tourism industry.”

China ranked first in terms of searching for travel information in Vietnam. Tourists from this country choose Vietnam because of its rich culture and natural landscapes. However, the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and border closures significantly reduced the number of visitors to Vietnam. After reopening, the search volume in 2022 and 2023 only reached 3% compared to 2020.

This year, Chinese tourists demand for destinations in Vietnam has had some slight changes. Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nha Trang, Da Nang and the pearl island of Phu Quoc were the top 5 choices of Chinese tourists, compared to the top 5 in 2020 being Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phan Thiet.

Director of Agoda in Vietnam assessed that Vietnam has also succeeded in attracting tourists from new markets such as India after reopening, thanks to favorable visa policies./.