Hanoi Tourism: Paving the way for sustainable development

Hanoi has made significant strides over the past year, particularly in its tourism sector. Despite economic challenges both domestically and internationally, the city's tourism industry showed strong recovery and growth.

According to the Hanoi Tourism Department, Hanoi saw impressive growth in tourism, with 27.86 million visitors, a 12.7% increase from the previous year. This included 6.35 million international tourists, up 34.4%, and 21.51 million domestic visitors, rising 7.5%.

This surge in tourism has brought with it a surge in economic growth, with total revenue reaching an estimated VND110.52 trillion (US$4.61 billion), a heartening 18.3% increase.

These figures were unveiled at a conference on the tourism sector’s plans for 2025, held on December 30, highlighting the continued recovery 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 showing impressive growth rates and surpassing set targets.

A year of success

Nguyen Thanh Binh, Head of the Hanoi City People's Council's Culture and Society Department  and Director of the Tourism Department of Hanoi, Dang Huong Giang. Photo: Hanoi Tourism Department

The department's report also highlighted that accommodation facilities, particularly four-star and five-star hotels, along with shopping, dining, and recreation services meeting tourist standards, continued to maintain both quantity and quality. In 2024, the average room occupancy rate in Hanoi hotels reached 62%, marking a 2.9% increase compared to the 2023 benchmark.

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

Director of the Tourism Department of Hanoi, Dang Huong Giang, stated that the capital continues to hold its position as one of the two largest tourist hubs in the country, leading tourism development in the Red River Delta, the Northern region, and nationwide. The city's tourism industry has actively and innovatively developed a plan to promote night tourism, leveraging Hanoi's unique cultural elements as a new key tourism offering.

To date, Hanoi has introduced over 20 night tourism products and seven pedestrian zones featuring night cuisine and services, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Notable attractions include the walking area around Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding areas, as well as Tran Nhan Tong Pedestrian Street. Many of these tourism models have been successfully replicated by other localities across the country.

Hanoi New Year Countdown Party 2024

On the international market, Hanoi continues to strengthen its position, image, and brand as one of the most attractive and unique tourist destinations both regionally and globally. The capital was honored with several prestigious titles, including “Asia’s Leading City Destination 2024” and “World’s Best Golf City Destination 2024” by the World Travel Awards. It was also ranked among the world’s “Top 100 City Destinations for 2024” by Euromonitor International. These accolades reflect Hanoi's growing brand and its strong appeal to both domestic and international tourists.

International expansion

At the conference, the Tourism Department of Hanoi set ambitious goals for 2025. The capital aims to attract over 30 million visitors, marking an 11.1% increase from 2024. This includes more than 7 million international arrivals and 5 million overnight stays, a 27.3% rise, along with 23 million domestic visitors, up 7%.

According to Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong, Hanoi's tourism revenue is expected to top VND130 trillion or US$5.42 billion in 2025, a 26.1% increase from the 2024 level. 

To reach these goals, Phong said the tourism sector will focus on researching and evaluating both domestic and international markets and developing professional tourism services, products, and infrastructure to meet the diverse needs of tourists.

"Hanoi’s tourism should take the lead nationwide, strengthen market linkages, and develop products targeting various segments, such as golf tourism, cultural tourism, and others. The city needs to integrate tourism development into cultural industries," said Phong.

An art performance at Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival 2025

Director Huong Giang said information technology will be further integrated 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 committed to supporting heritage and cultural site managers in crafting unforgettable tours and immersive cultural experiences, with a special focus on night tourism that celebrates Hanoi’s rich traditional values," said Giang.

New northward routes will be developed and perfected, while tourism services in pedestrian zones will be elevated to offer even more memorable experiences. Programs will continue to highlight Hanoi’s unique strengths, such as its vibrant food tourism, MICE tourism, and wellness offerings.

One of the most exciting developments will be the promotion of river tourism, connecting destinations along the Red and Duong Rivers. This initiative will gradually extend the tourist route from Chuong Duong Wharf to the charming Son Tay Town and Ba Vi Province, offering visitors a chance to explore the heart of Hanoi’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

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

In terms of marketing, Hanoi's tourism industry will continue to strengthen 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 awarded Certificates of Merit to collectives and individuals from the Hanoi Tourism Department for their significant contributions to the capital's tourism development. Simultaneously, the Department recognized outstanding collectives and individuals by presenting them with Certificates of Merit.