Unprecedented national milestone in 65 years: Vietnam welcomes 20 millionth international visitor

From 10 million international arrivals in 2016 to 20 million in 2025, Vietnam’s tourism sector has doubled in scale in less than a decade. This historic milestone, officially recorded in Phu Quoc, reflects the exceptional growth momentum and substantial development potential of Vietnam’s tourism industry in a new phase.

On Monday afternoon, at Phu Quoc International Airport, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, in coordination with the An Giang provincial People’s Committee and local businesses, solemnly held a ceremony to welcome Vietnam’s 20 millionth international visitor. This marks a historic milestone recorded for the first time in the 65-year history of Vietnam’s tourism industry.

The ceremony was held with formal welcoming rituals, including greeting the passengers at the aircraft steps, flower presentations, traditional art performances, and the announcement and presentation of certificates and commemorative gifts to three special visitors: the 19,999,999th, the 20,000,000th, and the 20,000,001st international arrivals. The event was sponsored by Sun Group and Ngoc Hien Pearl.

The gift package awarded to the 20 millionth visitor was valued at nearly VND500 million ($18,980), including a premium pearl necklace worth VND200 million, a round trip business class flight package from Sun PhuQuoc Airways, a five star resort stay, Michelin dining experience vouchers, golf and yacht experiences exploring the southern waters of Phu Quoc, and priority access cards for entertainment services across the Sun Group ecosystem, with a total value of up to VND300 million.

The 19,999,999th and 20,000,001st visitors also received gift packages worth more thanVND 200 million each, consisting of high-end pearls and vouchers for products and services within the Sun Group system.

In addition, all passengers on the historical flight were presented with welcome flowers and tickets to the “Kiss of the Sea” show at Sunset Town in Phu Quoc.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasized that Vietnam’s official welcome of 20 million international visitors in 2025 marks a historic milestone for the first time in the 65-year history of Vietnam’s tourism industry.

"This achievement demonstrates the strong, sustainable, and remarkable recovery of Vietnam’s tourism industry at a time when global tourism has only recently emerged from an unprecedented period of severe decline caused by the Covid-19 pandemic," he noted.

Deeply moved upon receiving the special gifts inspired by the Pearl Island, Karolina Agnieszka Muskus from Poland, the 20 millionth international visitor, shared: "I can feel tears in my eyes right now because of these emotions. I’m really blessed to be here, and to have the chance to visit Vietnam. It is gorgeous.

"The people are so nice, with open hearts. I would like to say, ‘Toi Yeu Viet Nam’ and ‘Xin Chao Viet Nam.’ I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life. This is my first time here, but not definitely the last. I will encourage everyone in Poland to visit this great country."

Since Vietnam fully reopened international tourism activities on March 15, 2022, international arrivals have continued to grow strongly. In 2025, the number of international visitors is projected to reach approximately 21 million, significantly surpassing the 18 million recorded in 2019 before the pandemic.

With a growth rate of 21%, Vietnam’s tourism sector is assessed as being among the fastest growing in the world, compared to the global tourism average growth rate of only 5%.

Looking back, from 10 million international visitors in 2016 to 20 million in 2025, Vietnam’s tourism industry has doubled in scale in less than a decade, demonstrating a rare growth pace within the region.

Over the same period, Thailand recorded an increase of around 19%, while Singapore grew by approximately 8%, despite operating at a larger visitor scale. These figures indicate that Vietnam is transitioning from an emerging destination to a new regional tourism hub, characterized by outstanding growth momentum and significant potential for international market expansion.

With the current growth trajectory, alongside open visa policies, expanded air connectivity, and strong investment in tourism infrastructure, Vietnam is forecast to maintain its position as one of the fastest growing tourism markets in Asia and globally in the medium and long term.

Over the past decade, major milestones of Vietnam’s tourism industry have consistently been commemorated in Phu Quoc, underscoring the island’s special role in the country’s tourism development journey.

Phu Quoc has emerged as one of the fastest growing tourism destinations nationwide, serving as a pioneering destination and a key growth driver for the international visitor market.

The pilot policy granting visa free entry for all international visitors with stays of up to 30 days has created a clear competitive advantage for the Pearl Island compared to many destinations in the region, while also attracting long stay, high spending international travelers.

Alongside policy advantages, Phu Quoc’s tourism ecosystem has been continuously and rapidly expanded through synchronized investment, featuring a diverse range of accommodation options, numerous high-end resorts, large-scale entertainment complexes, and distinctive tourism products with a strong identity.

The island’s status as one of the few destinations worldwide offering international standard shows and nightly fireworks displays has further reinforced its positioning as a dynamic, modern, and uniquely appealing destination.

In recent years, Phu Quoc has been consistently recognized by prestigious international organizations and media outlets, contributing to the enhancement of Vietnam’s tourism image and brand on the global tourism map.

Notably, as the selected host location for APEC 2027, Phu Quoc is entering a new development phase, with comprehensive upgrades underway across transport, urban, and service infrastructure. These include Phu Quoc International Airport, An Thoi marina, strategic transport corridors, and large-scale convention and exhibition centers.

The recognition of the 20 millionth international visitor milestone in Phu Quoc carries profound symbolic significance. It is not only a source of pride for Pearl Island, but also a representative image of a fast growing, innovation led destination.

More broadly, it reflects a dynamic, open Vietnam that is ready for deeper global integration, advancing toward the goal of establishing tourism as a truly leading economic sector in the country’s new development phase.