Vietnam’s tourism industry is roaring back, fueled by a whirlwind of infrastructure upgrades that are transforming the country into a must-visit destination. As a Domestic Management Company (DMC) curating tours and hotel expertise for European and Russian travel agents, Vietone Travel is at the forefront of this rapid development. From new airports to digital booking systems, these 2025 advancements are making Vietnam more accessible and affordable. Here’s how these changes are reshaping travel, what they mean for pricing and availability, and how agents can seize the moment.
A Tourism Powerhouse Reborn
Vietnam’s recovery is a masterclass in resilience. After welcoming 12.6 million international visitors in 2023 and 14.1 million by October 2024, the country is on track for 18 million in 2025, matching its 2019 peak. This rebound is backed by a $15 billion infrastructure push, including transport upgrades and a hotel boom. The aviation sector alone is growing 8% in 2025, with Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet adding over 10 new aircraft to a fleet of 200+. For agents, this means smoother logistics and more options to craft seamless tours for European and Russian clients.
Airports and Flights: Sky-High Ambitions
New and upgraded airports are game-changers. Long Thanh International Airport, set to partially open in 2026 near Ho Chi Minh City, will handle 25 million passengers annually, easing congestion at Tan Son Nhat. In 2025, Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Cam Ranh (Nha Trang) are expanding terminals to boost capacity. New routes—like Hanoi-Milan starting July 2025 and resumed Hanoi-Moscow flights—cater directly to European and Russian markets, cutting travel times and fares.
“New airports and routes are shrinking Vietnam’s distance from Europe and Russia, making tours more affordable and appealing.”
These upgrades mean more seats and competitive pricing—Vietjet’s budget fares are a boon for cost-conscious clients. But with European demand up 20-80% and 232,300 Russians in 2024, peak winter bookings will tighten. Agents should lock in flights early to secure availability.
Ground Transport: Roads and Rails
Vietnam’s ground game is leveling up too. Over 1,500 km of new expressways, like the North-South Highway segments opening in 2025, are slashing travel times between Hanoi, Da Nang, and HCMC. A high-speed rail linking Hanoi and HCMC is in planning, with partial operations eyed for 2030. For now, upgraded coach services and tourist shuttles to Ha Long Bay and Sapa are making group tours smoother and cheaper.
These improvements lower transport costs, keeping tour prices in check. However, construction delays or peak-season traffic could snag schedules—our DMC expertise helps agents navigate these hiccups for flawless itineraries.
Hotel Boom: Rooms Galore
The hotel sector is exploding, with 38,000 properties and 700,000 rooms in 2024 set to grow by 40,000 rooms by 2030. Budget and mid-tier hotels are popping up in Hue, Phu Quoc, and beyond, driven by 101.3 million domestic trips and rising international demand. New Airbnb laws in 2024 (fines up to $1,000 for non-compliance) are pushing travelers toward hotels, boosting bookings but sparking price wars.
“Vietnam’s hotel surge is a goldmine for agents—more rooms mean better rates, but peak seasons demand quick action.”
This oversupply could soften prices short-term, ideal for value-driven European and Russian clients. But as demand spikes, availability will shrink during winter—our hotel know-how ensures agents snag the best deals.
Digital Leap: Booking Made Easy
Vietnam’s digital infrastructure is racing ahead, with online bookings projected to hit 66% of tourism revenue by 2029. Upgraded booking platforms and real-time availability tools are streamlining tour planning. For agents, this means faster access to hotels and tours, but also pressure to act swiftly as digital-savvy travelers snap up deals.
Why It Matters for Agents
These upgrades make Vietnam a dream destination—easier to reach, navigate, and enjoy. Lower transport costs and new hotels keep tours affordable, while digital tools simplify logistics. But peak-season crunches and construction quirks require sharp planning. Vietone Travel’s expertise keeps you ahead, ensuring your clients get value-packed experiences.
Your Playbook
Track these upgrades to stay competitive. Monitor new flight routes (Milan, Moscow) to tap fresh markets, and watch hotel inventory surges for budget-friendly options. Book early for winter to beat availability squeezes, especially for Russian beach tours or European cultural trips. Keep an eye on digital platforms—speed wins in this online race. Vietnam’s infrastructure boom is your edge—use it to craft tours that thrill clients and boost bookings.
