Vietnam is witnessing a significant shift in tourism trends among its travelers, particularly focusing on family-oriented experiences and leisure activities. According to recent surveys by the online travel platform Agoda, it is projected for 2025, family tourism, combined with advanced technological applications, will surge as one of the top trends. This pivot reflects the changing preferences of Vietnamese tourists who, after enduring the pressures of daily life, are now eager to explore new destinations with their loved ones.
The emphasis on family travel is evident, with 39% of surveyed Vietnamese travelers planning to take trips with family members next year. Each family trip is seen as an opportunity for strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories. The attraction of leisure destinations, such as amusement parks, is on the rise, becoming popular choices for these excursions. "Vietnamese travelers increasingly focus on leisure travel and family experiences," asserted Agoda, highlighting their findings from the latest tourism trends report.
What’s driving this trend? It’s the pressing need to break free from the hectic pace of life. Many families opt for these getaways to rejuvenate and spend quality time together. With remote work becoming commonplace, due to flexible workplace policies by numerous companies, the idea of combining work with leisure has also gained traction. The inspiration for travel can stem from personal interests, budget availability, or recommendations from friends and family.
Technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role as well. Recent studies indicate many Vietnamese families are gradually shifting to digital methods for planning their trips. Notably, social media is increasingly influencing travel decisions among the populace. A report by the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department elucidates this trend, showing online bookings surged by 33% compared to 2023, and the rate for cashless transactions reached 91.14% with an astonishing satisfaction rate of 98.64% from travelers.
The statistics showcase significant growth, with Ho Chi Minh City set to welcome 6 million international visitors—a 20% increase from the preceding year—along with 38 million domestic tourists, reflecting an 8.6% rise. Revenue from tourism is estimated to reach 190 trillion VND (around 8 billion USD) for the year 2024, signifying an 18.8% growth compared to 2023. According to Nguyen Van Dung, Deputy Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, to diversify its customer market, the city aims to aggressively implement digital transformations across the tourism sector, enhancing brand visibility and improving the overall tourism experience.
He added, "We are focusing on enhancing quality and diversifying tourism products based on maximizing the unique strengths suitable to new tourism trends." Emphasizing on regional linkages, the city is committed to leveraging the strengths of each area for optimal growth. Continuous improvement of services, development of new experiences catering to tourist preferences, and active training to uplift human resources are also on the agenda.
Overall, the anticipated trends for 2025 highlight the growing importance of family-oriented travel experiences among Vietnamese tourists, propelled by leisure, technology, and the quest for quality family time. The tourism sector's adaptation to these preferences will be key to driving sustainable growth and enhancing the guest experience.