Vietnam’s tourism industry is entering a new phase. Instead of focusing only on visitor numbers, the conversation is increasingly shifting toward higher-value tourism, longer stays, sustainability, and destination quality.
Recently, Tuổi Trẻ News featured insights from Miquel Angel, Founder of MQL Sustainable Tourism Services, discussing how Vietnam can move toward a more sustainable and regenerative tourism model.
Vietnam Is Moving Beyond “Cheap Tourism”
For years, Vietnam has been known as a highly affordable destination in Southeast Asia. While this strategy helped attract large visitor volumes, it also created several long-term challenges.
- Short visitor stays
- Lower tourism spending per traveler
- Pressure on local infrastructure and natural resources
- Risk of cultural dilution and overtourism
Today, tourism stakeholders are beginning to recognize that success should not be measured only by arrival numbers, but also by:
- Visitor quality and spending
- Community impact
- Environmental protection & cultural preservation
- Long-term destination resilience
Some high-value offerings are emerging across key destinations:
- Parasail in Nha Trang to increase tourism spending
- Luxury cruise activity in Ho Chi Minh City to enhance night-time economy
- Helicopter tour in Ho Chi Minh City to target high-spending tourists and increase tourism revenue
Featured Interview: Miquel Àngel’s perspective on Vietnam’s Tourism Future
Below are some sharing from Miquel Àngel, Founder of MQL Sustainable Tourism Services, in the interview with Tuổi Trẻ News:
“Vietnam has made progress over nearly three decades, including improved environmental awareness and stronger competition among airlines and hotel operators.”
“Repeat-visit rates remain lower than in some Southeast Asian countries and overcrowding during peak holidays can affect visitor experience through congestion, delays and rising prices.”
“Environmental challenges, particularly waste management, are a key concern raised by tourists.”
“Vietnam should expand cultural tourism offerings and develop more personalized experiences to avoid repetition across destinations.”
“Clearer regulatory frameworks and effective tourism management mechanisms” are needed “to address issues faced by visitors and improve overall service quality.”
These perspectives reflect a broader industry transition from mass tourism toward higher-value, more sustainable destination development.
Read the full interview on Tuổi Trẻ News:
Vietnam Shifts Tourism Strategy Toward Higher Spending, Longer Stays
Vietnamese version – Du lịch Việt hút dòng tiền triệu tỉ
The Future of Tourism in Vietnam
Vietnam has a unique opportunity to grow tourism in a more resilient and meaningful direction.
The future may not belong to destinations that simply attract the highest number of tourists — but to those that create:
- Higher-quality experiences
- Stronger community value
- Better environmental stewardship
- Long-term destination sustainability
At MQL Sustainable Tourism Services, we support tourism businesses and destinations in building sustainable strategies that align profitability with long-term impact.
For sustainable tourism consulting support:
+84 836 856 295
Email: mk@mqlsustainability.com
