Vietnam Sets a New Standard in Tourism with Digital Innovation and Green Growth

Vietnam’s tourism industry is evolving rapidly with a focus on digital innovation and green growth, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable, tech-driven travel for the region. Digital transformation efforts include widespread use of mobile apps, e-visas, cashless payments, and smart tourism infrastructure, making travel easier and more accessible for both international and domestic visitors. Green growth initiatives prioritize eco-tourism, waste reduction, and investment in sustainable infrastructure, aligning with national goals to boost GDP contribution and employment from tourism while protecting local heritage and the environment.​

The official strategy for 2030 aims to welcome 35 million international travelers and 160 million domestic tourists, contributing up to 14% of the country’s GDP and creating more than 10 million jobs. Vietnam’s approach leverages technology to personalize the travel experience and increase efficiency, while green policies drive the protection of cultural and natural resources and incentivize low-carbon tourism.​

Tourism leaders highlight institutional reforms, global partnerships, human capital development, and support for small and medium enterprises as the path forward. Major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are being developed as growth poles, with smart destinations and green tourism zones prioritized to spread benefits across regions.​

Key Points

• Digital transformation and green growth are dual strategic pillars of Vietnam’s tourism strategy for 2030.​
• Goals: 35M international, 160M domestic arrivals by 2030; tourism to contribute 14% of GDP and create over 10M jobs.​
• Focus areas: E-visas, mobile apps, cashless payments, eco-tourism, waste reduction, green hotel standards.​
• Policy supports: Tech-enabled marketing, incentives for green/joint ventures, regional and cross-sectoral cooperation.​
• Main tourism centers: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang as smart travel hubs.