In a significant shift in tourism trends, China has once again emerged as Vietnam's leading source of visitors. May 2024 saw a staggering 357,907 Chinese tourists arriving in Vietnam, accounting for nearly 40% of all foreign arrivals and marking a major milestone since China reopened its borders in March 2022.
This surge in Chinese tourism reclaims the top spot previously held by South Korea in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. May's figures position South Korea as the second largest source market with 351,000 visitors, followed by Taiwan, Japan, and the U.S. The top 10 source markets also included Cambodia, India, Thailand, Australia, and Malaysia, according to the General Statistics Office.
Vietnam welcomed a total of 1.38 million international visitors in May, a 51% increase compared to the same period last year, signaling a robust recovery for the tourism sector. However, it's worth noting a slight 10% decrease from the previous month of April.
The resurgence of Chinese tourism has spurred Southeast Asian countries to capitalize on the world's largest outbound tourism market. Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have all implemented visa-free entry policies for Chinese tourists, recognizing the immense potential for economic growth through tourism.
Key Points:
- China's resurgence: China is once again Vietnam's top tourist source, with 357,907 arrivals in May 2024.
- Tourism boom: Vietnam welcomed 1.38 million international visitors in May, up 51% year-on-year.
- Regional competition: Southeast Asian countries are vying for Chinese tourists through visa-free policies.
