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
- Increasing competition with neighboring destinations
- Risk of cultural dilution and overtourism
Today, tourism stakeholders are beginning to recognize that success should not be measured only by arrival numbers, but by:
- Visitor quality and spending
- Community impact
- Environmental protection
- Cultural preservation
- Long-term destination resilience
Featured Interview: Miquel Àngel’s perspective on Vietnam’s Tourism Future
Below are selected quotes from the original Tuổi Trẻ News interview with Miquel Àngel, Founder of MQL Sustainable Tourism Services.
This shift aligns closely with the global movement toward sustainable and regenerative tourism development.
“Vietnam should not compete on price alone. Competing only through affordability can attract more visitors in the short term, but it may also create pressure on destinations and reduce long-term value.”
“Higher-spending travelers are often looking for authenticity, quality experiences, sustainability, and deeper cultural connections.”
“Sustainable tourism is not only about environmental protection. It is also about improving operational quality, preserving local identity, and creating long-term economic value for communities.”
“Vietnam has strong potential to position itself as a destination for meaningful and high-quality travel experiences.”
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
Explore more about our approach here:
About MQL Sustainable Tourism Services
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
mk@mqlsustainability.com
Contact MQL Sustainable Tourism Services
