Hanoi: Tourism continues to play a vital role in Vietnam’s economic expansion, serving as a key growth driver in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2025, according to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance.

According to Emirates News Agency, the country welcomed about 1.5 million foreign visitors in September, which was a 9.6 percent decrease from August but a 19.5 percent increase year-on-year. Total international arrivals surpassed 15.4 million in the first nine months, marking a 21.5 percent increase from 2024, with 84.5 percent arriving by air.

China and the Republic of Korea remained Vietnam’s largest source markets, contributing nearly half of all foreign visitors. China recorded 3.9 million arrivals, a 43.9 percent increase, followed by Korea with 3.2 million. India climbed to sixth place with a growth of 42.9 percent. European markets also showed strength, particularly Russia with a surge of 173 percent, followed by France (22.6 percent), the United Kingdom (21.7 percent), and Germany (17.5 percent).

Tourism revenue reached an estimated 69.6 trillion VND (US$2.64 billion) in the first nine months, reflecting a 20.5 percent increase, as reported by Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Industry experts anticipate further gains in the final quarter, spurred by peak-season travel and festive events. Vietnam ranks seventh globally in Google Destination Insights for travel interest, showing a 10-25 percent increase since early 2025. The UN World Tourism Organisation also recognized Vietnam as the world’s fastest-growing international tourism market in the first half of the year, with a 21 percent rise.