Hanoi Tourism: Forging a Sustainable Future

Hanoi has witnessed remarkable progress over the past year, especially within its tourism industry. Despite economic headwinds on both domestic and international fronts, the city’s tourism sector demonstrated a robust recovery and significant growth.

According to the Hanoi Tourism Department, Hanoi experienced a boom in tourism, welcoming 27.86 million visitors, reflecting a 12.7% increase from the previous year. This included 6.35 million international tourists, a substantial rise of 34.4%, along with 21.51 million domestic visitors, indicating a healthy 7.5% growth.

This influx of tourists has had a positive ripple effect on the economy, with total revenue estimated at VND110.52 trillion (approximately US$4.61 billion), an encouraging increase of 18.3%.

These impressive figures were revealed during a conference on the tourism sector’s roadmap for 2025, held on December 30. They underscore the resilience and growth of Hanoi’s tourism industry in 2024. The capital’s tourism sector not only bounced back but also exceeded expectations, with all development indicators painting a picture of strong growth and surpassing targeted goals.

A Year of Triumph

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ho An Phong, and Director of the Tourism Department of Hanoi, Dang Huong Giang. Photo: Hanoi Tourism Department

The department’s report also emphasized the maintenance of both quantity and quality in accommodation facilities, especially four-and five-star hotels. Shopping, dining, and recreation services that meet international tourist standards remained robust. In 2024, Hanoi hotels achieved an average room occupancy rate of 62%, marking a 2.9% increase compared to the 2023 benchmark.

Director of the Tourism Department of Hanoi, Dang Huong Giang, presenting Certificates of Merit from the Hanoi People’s Committee to collectives and individuals for their exceptional contributions to the development of tourism in the capital.

Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, affirmed that the capital remains one of the two largest tourism hubs in the country, spearheading tourism development in the Red River Delta, the Northern region, and on a national scale. The city’s tourism industry has proactively and innovatively devised a strategy to promote night tourism, harnessing Hanoi’s unique cultural offerings as a key attraction.

To date, Hanoi has launched over 20 night tourism products and established seven pedestrian zones dedicated to night cuisine and services. These attractions draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, including the walking area around Hoan Kiem Lake and its environs, as well as Tran Nhan Tong Pedestrian Street. Many other localities across the country have successfully emulated these tourism models.

Hanoi New Year Countdown Party 2024

On the global stage, Hanoi continues to solidify its position, image, and brand as one of the most captivating and distinctive tourist destinations, both regionally and internationally. The capital garnered prestigious accolades, including “Asia’s Leading City Destination 2024” and “World’s Best Golf City Destination 2024” from the World Travel Awards. It also ranked among the “Top 100 City Destinations for 2024” by Euromonitor International, showcasing Hanoi’s rising brand appeal to domestic and international tourists alike.

Expanding Horizons

During the conference, the Tourism Department of Hanoi outlined ambitious goals for 2025. The capital sets its sights on attracting over 30 million visitors, an 11.1% increase from 2024. This includes a target of more than 7 million international arrivals and 5 million overnight stays, representing a notable 27.3% increase, along with 23 million domestic visitors, a 7% rise.

According to Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Vietnam’s tourism revenue is projected to surpass VND130 trillion or US$5.42 billion, indicating a substantial 26.1% increase from 2024 levels.

To achieve these goals, Phong emphasized that the tourism sector will concentrate on researching and evaluating both domestic and international markets, as well as developing professional tourism services, products, and infrastructure to cater to the diverse needs of tourists.

“Hanoi’s tourism should take the lead nationally, strengthen market linkages, and create products targeting various segments, such as golf tourism and cultural tourism, among others,” Phong stated. “The city needs to integrate tourism development into cultural industries.”

An art performance at the Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival 2025

Director Huong Giang highlighted the further integration of information technology into the state management of tourism, particularly with the expansion of level-four online public services for administrative procedures within the Tourism Department of Hanoi.

“We are dedicated to supporting heritage and cultural site managers in creating unforgettable tours and immersive cultural experiences,” said Giang, “with a special emphasis on night tourism that showcases Hanoi’s rich traditional values.”

The development and refinement of northward routes are also in the works, along with enhancements to tourism services in pedestrian zones to offer even more memorable experiences. Programs will continue to spotlight Hanoi’s unique strengths, including its vibrant food tourism, MICE tourism, and wellness offerings.

One of the most exciting initiatives is the promotion of river tourism, connecting destinations along the Red and Duong Rivers. This project will gradually extend the tourist route from Chuong Duong Wharf to the enchanting Son Tay Town and Ba Vi Province, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage that lies at the heart of Hanoi.

Hanoi’s iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. Photo: Chuyen cua Ha Noi Group

In terms of marketing, Hanoi’s tourism industry will continue to foster strong partnerships and promote the city to other provinces and cities. For inbound tourism, the focus will remain on key traditional markets, such as Northeast Asia, ASEAN, and the EU, while also exploring new high-potential markets, including India, Eastern Europe, and Muslim countries.

At the conference, the Hanoi People’s Committee presented Certificates of Merit to collectives and individuals from the Hanoi Tourism Department, recognizing their significant contributions to the capital’s tourism development. In turn, the Department acknowledged outstanding collectives and individuals with Certificates of Merit.

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