Vietnam Aligns with Global Tourism Powerhouses to Drive High-Value Growth

Vietnam has formally integrated tourism into its core economic development framework via Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW. This policy shift marks a transition from prioritizing raw visitor volume to targeting high-spending travelers, extended durations of stay, and sustainable, premium experiences.

To facilitate this transition, the Vietnamese government has overhauled its entry requirements. Eligible visitors from expanded markets can now utilize visa exemptions for stays of up to 45 days. This is complemented by a scaled-up electronic visa (e-visa) system designed to minimize friction for global arrivals and encourage repeat visitation.

This strategic pivot mirrors a broader 2026 global trend where major destinations are utilizing "seamless entry" to capture luxury and cultural tourism markets. Vietnam is now competing directly with regional leaders like Japan and China, as well as emerging hubs like Saudi Arabia, by diversifying its offerings into gastronomy, wellness, and community-based tourism.

The national objective is ambitious: Vietnam aims to welcome 45–50 million international visitors by 2030, focusing on increasing total tourism revenue rather than just passenger counts.

2026 Global Tourism Growth Strategies

Regional Competitive Analysis: Japan and China

While Vietnam expands its reach, Japan is focusing on "quality over quantity." The Japanese strategy emphasizes dispersing tourists away from the Tokyo-Kyoto corridor toward regional destinations to distribute economic benefits more evenly.

Similarly, China is rebuilding its international sector through enhanced visa facilitation and "smart tourism" experiences, focusing on high-consumption hubs in Beijing, Shanghai, and the scenic regions of Guilin.

Global Diversification: Saudi Arabia and India

Outside of East Asia, Saudi Arabia is utilizing its Vision 2030 framework to create a new tourism powerhouse. Key developments include the Red Sea (luxury coastal), AlUla (heritage), and NEOM (future-focused tourism).

India is concurrently leveraging its spiritual and wellness assets, specifically targeting the Buddhist circuits, Rajasthan’s heritage sites, and Kerala’s wellness hubs to attract a more diverse global demographic.

Traveler Logistics Guide

From a ground-level perspective, navigating the new entry policies in Asia requires a proactive digital approach.

Navigating Vietnam's Entry:

• Visa Strategy: Check the latest "eligible market" list for the 45-day exemption. If your nationality is not exempt, apply for the e-visa at least 7-10 days before departure to avoid processing delays.
• Connection Planning: For those combining Vietnam with Japan or China, utilize regional hubs like Bangkok or Singapore. Ensure your transit visas are in order if you are exiting the airport during long layovers.
• Digital Transit: Adopt local digital payment methods and ride-hailing apps (such as Grab) immediately upon arrival to avoid overpriced airport taxis and facilitate seamless movement between luxury resorts and cultural sites.

Infrastructure Impact Assessment

The shift toward "high-value" tourism necessitates a significant upgrade in regional infrastructure. For Vietnam, this means moving beyond primary city centers and investing in the "last-mile" connectivity to community-based tourism sites and nature reserves.

By aligning its entry policies with those of Japan and Saudi Arabia, Vietnam is reducing the "friction of travel," which historically limited the stay duration of premium travelers. If the 2030 target of 45–50 million visitors is met, the resulting pressure on heritage sites will require a strict transition toward the "balanced development" models currently being pioneered in Spain and Portugal.

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