Vietnam emerges as a new hub for international cruise tourism

According to Doan Thi Thanh Tra, deputy general director of major travel firm Saigontourist, "We welcomed five international vessels to various ports across Vietnam in the first weeks of the year."

Siagontourist served 19,800 international cruise passengers between January 4 and 31.

Among these, the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines' vessel Celebrity Solstice brought 3,000 passengers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia on three voyages to Vietnam, docking at Halong, Chan May, and Phu My ports.

The Spectrum of the Seas vessel carried 5,000 multinational passengers to Chan May Port in Hue city in the central region, while the Anthem of the Seas vessel transported 5,800 visitors to Phu My and Chan May ports.

On February 6, Saigon Newport Corporation held a welcoming ceremony for the Norwegian Spirit vessel at Cam Ranh international port, bringing 2,000 visitors to explore the central province of Khanh Hoa.

Khanh Hoa received 28 cruise visits last year, with around 58,000 passengers disembarking for sightseeing.

Based on registrations, the province is set to welcome nine additional cruise voyages by April, carrying 14,650 passengers.

Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Costa Cruises are increasingly including Vietnam in their routes, drawn by its natural beauty, cultural richness, and high-spending tourists.

According to Nguyen Anh Tuan, director of the Institute for Tourism Development Research, "Vietnam’s green economy has immense advantages in attracting high-spending international tourists, thanks to the country’s favourable geographical location on the maritime transport routes in the region."

Vietnam's Tourism Development Strategy for 2020, with a vision towards 2030, has identified maritime and island tourism as the top priority.

However, the 'gold mine' of cruise tourism is not easy to tap into due to infrastructure barriers at tourist ports, a lack of skilled workers, and insufficient focus on promotion activities.

"Vietnam’s location is a key advantage, however, unlocking the full potential of cruise tourism requires addressing infrastructure gaps, improving staff, diversifying tourism offerings, and boosting marketing, particularly via international channels," said Tuan.

According to the World Tourism Organisation, cruise tourism generates 40 per cent higher revenue than air or road travel, offering significant economic benefits.

With 3,260km coastline, dotted with over 4,000 islands, reefs, and stunning bays, Vietnam offers a unique blend of history and nature; the country's deepwater ports, capable of accommodating large vessels, further enhance its appeal.

Popular destinations such as Halong Bay, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang continue to enchant international visitors.

Vietnam stands at a pivotal moment, by addressing challenges and leveraging its strengths, the country can position itself as Asia’s new cruise tourism hub, driving sustainable marine economic development and elevating its global tourism profile.

Vietnam is rapidly positioning itself as a premier golf destination in Asia, with supportive development policies adding to its attractiveness and creating a robust foundation for funding in golf course development.

Vietnam is showcasing the potential to become a key link in the global semiconductor supply chain, with growing appeal in Southeast Asia, improved infrastructure, and a clear development strategy.

Vietnam is projected to become a second home for leading global tech corporations and a cradle for digital assets in the coming years.