Vietnam is rapidly gaining recognition as one of Southeast Asia's premier travel destinations, showcasing its diverse tourism landscapes and unique experiences. A recent report by Euronews titled "Exploring Differences, Better Experiences" reveals significant tourism trends as nations continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The key takeaway is clear: Despite rising living costs and inflation pressures, travel remains a top priority for people globally.
With tourism making strides toward recovery, travelers are leaning more toward sustainability and community engagement during their adventures. This shift encourages destinations to adapt their infrastructures and services to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly practices. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili notes, "Sustainable tourism products connected to nature, the countryside, cuisine, and health have become preferred options for tourists."
One remarkable attraction reflecting Vietnam's commitment to tourism is the Gành Đèn Lighthouse, located in An Ninh Đông, Tuy An, Phú Yên Province. Originally called Gành Đá Đen, the lighthouse serves as both a beacon for fishermen and as a charming site for visitors. Its light reaches vessels from 17 nautical miles away, earning it the title of silent guardian against rough seas.
Gành Đèn has become increasingly popular among tourists for its picturesque landscapes, especially during sunset when the sun's light caresses the rocky outcrops, creating mesmerizing hues. This breathtaking scenery, with its pink-tinted rocks dotting the coastline, offers visitors not just visual beauty, but also opportunities for picnics and camping on its serene beaches.
The lighthouse, characterized by its simple white and red structure standing tall at 10 meters above sea level, captivates every visitor. It works tirelessly amid the tumultuous elements, embodying resilience—much like Vietnam's tourism sector aiming to balance development and environmental conservation. "Now, the youth will not choose to visit travel spots harmful to the environment or lacking responsible sustainability factors,” Eduardo Santander, the CEO of the European Travel Commission, affirms.
2025 is expected to see tourists favoring unique and less-crowded destinations. The trend toward discovering hidden gems aligns with the global shift toward sustainable experiences. A study from Thrillist indicates 68% of Generation Z prioritize going to places where they can explore new things over well-trodden traditional attractions found on digital platforms. From locals to international explorers, many seek local experiences over mass tourism, allowing them to connect more deeply with the culture and its people.
Alongside these preferences, cinematic tourism is also on the rise. Drawing inspiration from popular films, tourists are increasingly inclined to visit filming locations and partake in experiences tied to the stories they love. Expedia reports show 53% of travelers considered or booked trips to sites they’ve seen on-screen, demonstrating cinema's influential role on travel choices.
Adaptation to digital tools has also transformed the tourism experience. With swift technological advancements, travelers are now able to personalize their journeys more than ever. Digital platforms are reshaping how travel plans are made and how experiences are curated, allowing for greater flexibility and customized itineraries.
The report by Euronews highlights another rising concern: climate change. The increase of global temperatures compels travelers to seek cooler climates. Beach resorts and mountain destinations are becoming more sought out, where tourists can escape the heat and enjoy enjoyable seasonal activities.
Responsible tourism has risen to prominence, especially encouraging travelers to engage with nature actively. This type of exploration nurtures conservation efforts, blending fun travel with ecological responsibility. More travelers are expected to participate in projects aimed at preserving local environments and cultures.
Traveling by train is resurfacing as well, regarded as both transport and entertainment, enabling scenic views and relaxation during the voyage. This slower travel method enriches the experience, allowing tourists to relish the scenery through train windows.
Lastly, the pursuit of astronomy tourism is flourishing. Travelers intrigued by the night sky are venturing to areas minimally impacted by light pollution. Here, they can immerse themselves under starry canopies, enabling unique explorations of the cosmos undistorted by artificial lights.
Vietnam’s tourism is on the cusp of redefining its appeal to travelers. By growing environmentally sustainable options and prioritizing authentic experiences, it stands to satisfy the changing desires of global tourists and enrich the experiences of those who venture to this captivating land. This aligns not just with the present but builds momentum for the future of travel.