foreign tourists – Author Carlo Carrasco

Tourism’s Contribution To Philippines GDP The Lowest In 3 Years

June 7, 2026June 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Given the fact that the Philippines has been having trouble attracting foreign tourists and their money, it has been confirmed that the tourism industry’s contribution to the national economy in 2025 fell down to a 3-year low, according to a news report by BusinessWorld. For insight, the Philippines attracted 5.94 million foreign tourists in 2025 while Indonesia attracted 15.39 million, Vietnam attracted a record-high 21.2 million and Thailand attracted almost 33 million.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE TOURISM industry’s contribution to the Philippine economy fell to its lowest level in three years in 2025, weighed down by weaker tourism spending by foreign visitors, according to data from the statistics agency.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed tourism’s direct gross value added (TDGVA) accounted for 8.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, down from 8.7% of GDP in 2024.

This was tourism’s lowest contribution to the national output in at least three years or since 2022 when it contributed 6.3% to the country’s GDP.

The country’s TDGVA was estimated at P2.27 trillion last year, down by 1.4% from the revised P2.3 trillion in 2024.

The TDGVA measures the value generated from various tourism-related activities and is based on the results of the Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts report, which the PSA compiles from the Department of Tourism.

Tourism Congress of the Philippines President James M. Montenegro said the drop reflected external pressures, structural constraints and a weaker recovery in international tourism relative to the rest of the Philippine economy.

“While domestic tourism remained resilient, inbound tourism weakened significantly in 2025, which pulled down overall tourism value creation,” Mr. Montenegro said in a Viber message.

He said a major factor was the slower-than-expected recovery of inbound tourism from key Asian markets such as China and India even after the Philippine government eased visa requirement for Chinese and Indian nationals.

Mr. Montenegro said another challenge is the Philippine tourism industry’s ability to remain competitive in attracting foreign tourists. He said the Philippines should prioritize making key destinations more accessible to major regional markets.

“Many neighboring countries accelerated aggressive tourism recovery programs, including visa-free access, expanded airline incentives, stronger destination marketing, and airport infrastructure improvements. The Philippines continued to face challenges in air connectivity, airport capacity, inter-island transport efficiency, and tourist friction points,” Mr. Montenegro said.

He said that while the Philippines’ tourism sector has one of the highest contributions to GDP in Southeast Asia, it continues to lag behind regional peers in attracting tourists.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the Philippines remained weak on attracting foreign tourists even though some reforms were implemented? Do you think the local tourism authorities should focus more on domestic tourism which itself remains strong and growing? What are the biggest hassles that tourists experience here in the Philippines when it comes to traveling by air, sea and land today?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines And Vietnam Agree To Strengthen Tourism Cooperation And Improve Air Connectivity

June 7, 2026June 1, 2026carlocarrasco

Let’s be clear here. The Philippines has been a poor competitor on international tourism and it has been left behind by several of its Southeast Asian neighbors (for reference click here and here). When it comes to Vietnam, there are more Filipinos who visited that country while the Philippines could not attract an equal number of Vietnamese visitors. Filipino interest on visiting Vietnam is also very strong.

For the year 2025, the Philippines attracted only 5.94 million foreign tourists while Vietnam attracted a record-high 21.2 million foreign tourists.

During the recent state visit of Vietnam President To Lamb here in the Philippines hosted by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., a key agreement was made between them to enhance tourism cooperation and improving air connectivity for the next three years, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen tourism cooperation and improve air connectivity following the signing of a Tourism Cooperation Program covering 2026 to 2029.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said both countries would work to increase flight frequencies and facilitate greater tourism exchanges.

The move comes as Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for Filipino travelers, while arrivals from Vietnam to the Philippines have also continued to rise.

“Building upon a strong performance in 2025, which saw nearly half a million Filipino travelers going to Vietnam and a rising number of Vietnamese tourists coming to our shores, we have agreed to work closely to enhance air connectivity and increase commercial flight frequencies,” Marcos said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new agreement made between the Philippines and Vietnam will lead to more foreign travelers benefitting both countries? Do you think that European travelers who transit through Vietnam’s international airports will eventually make their way to the Philippines in greater numbers? Do you believe that the Vietnamese have any great interest in visiting the Philippines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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SBMA Adjusts Bidding Timeline For Subic Bay International Airport

June 2, 2026May 29, 2026carlocarrasco

With the window remaining open for bidders to challenge Cerberus’ unsolicited offer for the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officially adjusted the bidding timeline, according to a news report by the Manila Standard. Previously, the SBMA announced a Swiss challenge for the airport development project.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is inviting rival bidders to challenge the unsolicited offer of Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC for the P6.2-billion Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) development project.

In a recent bid bulletin, the SBMA announced that the issuance and availability of tender documents has been rescheduled to June 17, 2026, moving back from its initial May 18, 2026 timeline.

“The extension ensures technical specifications, financial parameters, and contractual frameworks are comprehensive, accurate, and clear,” the SBMA said.

“This adjustment protects the integrity of the Comparative Challenge process and ensures an equal footing for all participants. No prejudice is caused to any party as documents have not yet been released,” it added.

The asset-management firm Cerberus originally submitted its unsolicited proposal on March 26, 2025, under an Operate-Rehabilitate-Add-Transfer scheme.

The project spans a 25-year concession period—with a possibility for extension—and involves upgrading, expanding, operating, and maintaining the SBIA before its eventual turnover to the SBMA.

The primary goal is to transform the airport into a modern, high-capacity cargo hub that meets international standards and streamlines logistics across the Luzon region.

The comparative challenge will operate under a “right-to-match” mechanism in accordance with the PPP Code Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

The original proponent will be given 30 calendar days to match or top the most superior proposal submitted by a challenger. If no challengers emerge, or if the original proponent submits a superior counter-offer, the contract will be awarded to Cerberus.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think several corporate entities overseas will eventually challenge Cerberus’ bid for the Subic Bay International Airport?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Malaysia Now Has Little Caesars

May 28, 2026May 28, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Malaysia, the most-visited Southeast Asian country in the first quarter this year, Little Caesars opened its first outlet in the country marking its ongoing global expansion, according to a VnExpress news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Little Caesars, the world’s third-largest pizza chain only after Domino’s and Pizza Hut, has opened its first outlet in Malaysia, marking the brand’s global expansion.

The new outlet was launched on May 24 in Damansara Utama, a suburb of Petaling Jaya in Selangor.

The outlet serves Little Caesars’ signature Hot-N-Ready classic pepperoni pizza and crazy puffs pepperoni, while also incorporating localized offerings such as Chicken Hawaiian, 3 Cheese Edge to Edge, and Classic Veggie pizza, the chain said in a statement.

The chain is known globally for its affordable pizzas, Crazy Bread, and quick grab-and-go style meals.

Little Caesars, billed as the “Best Value in Pizza,” was founded by Mike Ilitch and Marian Ilitch as a single family-owned restaurant in 1959 and is headquartered in Michigan. It has since grown into the world’s third-largest pizza chain, operating restaurants across all 50 U.S. states and 31 countries and territories.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you were to visit Malaysia today, would you make an effort to visit Little Caesars and have a meal there? If you have dined at Little Caesars before, what is your favorite among their food offerings? Do you think Little Caesars will be able to do good business in Southeast Asia?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Chinese National Gets Banned By Thailand After Causing Damage At Suvarnabhumi Airport

May 22, 2026May 17, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Thailand, the authorities permanently banned a Chinese national who caused damage on two automated immigration gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to a VnExpress news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

A Chinese tourist has been permanently banned from re-entering Thailand after allegedly damaging automated passport control gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Southeast Asia’s second largest airport by land area.

The 30-year-old man, identified as Zheng Liwei, was accused of vandalizing two automated immigration gates at the airport on Wednesday while attempting to clear passport control for a flight back to China, Bangkok Post reported.

According to reports, Zheng became increasingly agitated after repeatedly failing to complete the airport’s automated screening process.

Video footage circulating online appears to show him slamming his passport against the scanner before kicking the glass barriers and forcing his way through the checkpoint.

Immigration officers quickly intercepted the man after he allegedly crossed the gate without authorization, police told local media outlet The Nation.

Airport security officers, assisted by the man’s wife, later restrained him after he allegedly shouted abuse in both Chinese and English and attempted to assault immigration personnel.

He has been charged with property damage, an offense punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht (US$1,800), or both.

Zheng also faces a separate charge of insulting a public official while on duty, which carries a penalty of up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

Thai immigration authorities have revoked his visa and placed him on a permanent blacklist, effectively banning him from re-entering the country.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the authorities in Thailand made the correct responses to the Chinese national? Did you ever witness a fellow foreign traveler causing trouble at an airport while you traveled overseas over the past six months? Have you ever been to Suvarnabhumi Airport?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Malaysia Is The Most-Visited Southeast Asian Country In 1st Quarter Of 2026

May 19, 2026May 14, 2026carlocarrasco

When it comes to attracting foreign tourists in the first quarter of this year, Malaysia is number one with 10.6 million tourists attracted and that is more than a million ahead of 2^nd placer Thailand, according to a news report by VnExpress. It is recalled that Malaysia counted 42.2 million international visitor arrivals in 2025, and it will host the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2027.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Malaysia welcomed 10.6 million tourists in the first quarter of this year, up 5% year-on-year, reinforcing its position as the most visited country in Southeast Asia.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing said arrivals continue to grow despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to Malay Mail.

“Although there is a dip in tourists from the Middle East, there is a slight increase in the number of tourists coming from Asian and European countries,” he said.

Thailand, traditionally the region’s favorite, ranked second after receiving 9.3 million arrivals between January and March, a slight year-on-year decrease of 2.3%, Bangkok Post reported.

Vietnam welcomed 6.76 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of 2026, marking the highest quarterly figure ever recorded and a year-on-year increase of 12%, according to the General Statistics Office.

Malaysia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s tourism bright spots in recent years, supported by flexible visa policies and infrastructure improvements.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Malaysia will be able to attract 47 million foreign tourists by the end of 2026? If you have visited Malaysia before, what do you think makes it very attractive to foreigners?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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More Financial Relief For Stakeholders Of Subic Bay Being Considered By SBMA

May 18, 2026May 13, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the temporary reduction of fees and added support for clients in the port of Subic Bay, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it is considering more financial relief to the stakeholders. A public consultation was recently held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is undertaking more financial relief measures for its stakeholders as discussed in a public consultation at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) here on May 11, 2026.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado said that these temporary measures, stipulated in Board Resolution No. 26-04-1768, and approved on April 21, extend financial relief to affected Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) stakeholders. This action responds to Executive Order No. 110 by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., which declared the entire country under a State of National Energy Emergency.

These measures include a 50% reduction in the Road Users’ Fee (RUF); the suspension of the Environment and Tourism Administrative Fee (ETAF); free renewal of SBMA IDs in electronic ID (e-ID) format for SBF workers; a reduction of fees for renewing SBMA IDs in physical card format; and the implementation of the Economic Relief Assistance Program (ERA 4) for locators here.

Agregado said that the RUF is imposed only on Class 3 vehicles such as trucks, heavy equipment, and other vehicles except mass transit buses with a 45-passenger seating capacity, that utilize the road on a daily, monthly, or annual basis to partially recover the cost of repairing and maintaining the SBF road network.

“Please note that the RUF has not been adjusted since 1997 despite inflation and the fact that the prices of services and materials have increased numerous times throughout the years. Notwithstanding the above, the SBMA Board of Directors likewise approved in the same Resolution to defer the implementation of the programmed increase or adjustment of the RUF,” he added.

Meanwhile, ETAF, which covers all guests with short-term stays in SBFZ Accommodation Establishments, is suspended. These establishments include hotels, inns, daily rental housing facilities, condotels, and all other such establishments.

Other tourism establishments include restaurants, wellness centers, massage and health spas, golf courses, beach resorts, and theme parks, and all other tourism-related establishments, except duty-free shops and retail stores.

“The SBMA Board of Directors, through Resolution No. 26-04-1789, approved the temporary suspension of ETAF payments effective 24 April 2026. The same Resolution provides that the temporary suspension of ETAF payments shall remain in effect until otherwise lifted or modified by the SBMA Board of Directors,” Agregado said.

He added that to provide tangible financial relief specifically targeted to and in support of SBF workers, SBMA is launching the SBMA e-ID for renewals and temporarily waiving renewal fees for workers who opt for the e-ID instead of a physical card.

The Board also approved, through Resolution No. 26-04-1788, the temporary adjustment or reduction of the fee for the renewal of the SBMA ID of SBF workers who opted for a physical card instead of the e-ID format, from ₱200.00 to ₱130.00. This adjustment shall be effective upon receipt of a positive review by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.

The Board has also approved the ERA4 through Resolution No. 26-04-1784, allowing SBF locators a 50% deferral of payment for monthly lease rental/sublease share billing for a maximum period of six months, starting in May 2026.

“Locators will be allowed to pay half of their monthly billing without penalty for late payment for billings issued by the Accounting Department from May to October 2026, provided they have no past-due accounts as of April 30, 2026,” the SBMA official said.

The 2026 Middle East war has triggered the largest global oil supply disruption in history, with over barrels per day lost in March due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Fuel prices have skyrocketed—jet fuel doubled in price by April—causing severe shortages, rationing in Asian nations like Sri Lanka and the Philippines, and widespread economic fallout.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the SBMA’s moves of providing financial relief to stakeholders is aggressive and very timely? Do you think the suspension of the ETAF will be a huge benefit for hotels, inns, condotels and daily rental housing facilities within the freeport? With the recent changes made by the SBMA, do you think more foreign investors will be convinced to invest in Subic Bay Freeport Zone soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Tourists from Spain and Peru Deported By Thailand After Committing Sexual Act On A Moving Vehicle

May 17, 2026May 13, 2026carlocarrasco

If you are touring a foreign land, you better behave yourselves in order to maintain a good standing as a foreign visitor. This is an important lesson to learn as Thailand deported a Spanish man and a Peruvian woman who got caught doing a sex act while riding a moving vehicle locally called the tuk-tuk, according to a news report by VnExpress. The deported ones already confessed their act of indecency.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Thai immigration authorities have deported a Spanish man and a Peruvian woman after they were allegedly caught performing a sex act on a moving tuk-tuk in popular island Phuket earlier this week.

The 41-year-old man and 43-year-old woman were filmed engaging in oral sex aboard the tuk-tuk on Sunday, in an incident that sparked public criticism over damage to Thailand’s tourism image, Bangkok Post reported.

Police interrogated the couple on Monday night and both confessed to their act, Nation Thailand reported.

They were charged with public indecency and immigration police said that the couple have been blacklisted and deported.

Public sex and indecent acts are punishable by fines of up to 5,000 baht (US$155) under Thai law.

However, the penalties have done little to deter some tourists from engaging in public nudity and other inappropriate behaviour outdoors.

On April 12, a French couple, both 24, were arrested after allegedly engaging in a public sex act on Rayee Beach. The pair were later deported after videos circulated online showing the nude woman straddling her boyfriend and performing sexual acts in full view of beachgoers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Did you spot any foreign tourists who misbehaved or broke laws in your country lately?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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US Embassy Delegation Meets With SBMA For Luzon Economic Corridor

May 17, 2026May 15, 2026carlocarrasco

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced the United States Ambassador to the Philippines Heather Variava and her delegation composed of many representatives of the U.S. economic team recently visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and met with Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño for high-level discussions about the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The United States Embassy delegation for the Luzon Economic Corridor Steering Committee visited this premier Freeport on May 13, 2026, seeking to create more investment opportunities.

US Ambassador Heather Variava, Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, and Head of Delegation for the committee, together with several representatives of the US economic team, arrived here as part of the mission to work on US-Philippines growth through a series of coordination with government officials and business leaders.

The ambassador met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, to discuss economic growth efforts for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

The LEC is a multi-billion-dollar economic partnership designed to supercharge infrastructure, logistics, and supply-chain connectivity between four primary hubs in the Philippines: Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Chairman Aliño said that the trilateral initiative with the US, Japan, and the Philippines has now expanded to include Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

“This ambitious venture will strengthen infrastructure, supply chains, and green energy across Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. It is most timely that Her Excellency Heather Variava and her delegation visit us now, as the Luzon Economic Corridor gains momentum through international partnerships and expanded economic engagement,” he added.

The SBMA top official said that with upcoming projects in railway connectivity, port modernization, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains, “Subic Bay’s role as a premier logistics and manufacturing hub grows even stronger.”

Initially launched in April 2024 as a trilateral project between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan under the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), the initiative has rapidly scaled into a powerful 10-nation coalition.

The said visit is part of her travel to coordinate strategic infrastructure and investments alongside the Philippine government and business leaders, as the ambassador advocates for streamlining complex regulations to increase investor confidence.

In the official press release issued by U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, the Luzon Economic Corridor’s partners share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and pledge to promote fair and transparent economic development. The partners will contribute through technical assistance, financing, and facilitation of private sector investments, while actively participating in working groups focused on transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.

“The expansion of the Luzon Economic Corridor partnership shows what we can accomplish when likeminded nations unite around strategic infrastructure and shared prosperity. This initiative is creating real opportunities for U.S. business, our Philippine partners, and investors across the Indo-Pacific while countering exploitative infrastructure practices with a better alternative,” said U.S. Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Ambassador Heather Variava.

*The official Luzon Economic Corridor map released by the U.S. Embassy.*

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider the US Embassy delegation’s Subic Bay visit a strong move to convince foreign investors to be part of the Luzon Economic Corridor? Do you expect to see more economic cooperation and meetings between America and the Philippines over the next twelve months?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

8.8 Million Foreign Tourists Visited Vietnam In January-April 2026 Period

May 10, 2026May 4, 2026carlocarrasco

When it comes to international tourism, Vietnam continues to be a fast-growing tourist destination as it successfully attracted almost nine million foreign tourists in the first four months of 2026, according to a news report by VnExpress. With the way it is going, Vietnam could easily break its all-time record of 21.2 million foreign tourists attracted in 2025.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Vietnam drew 2.03 million international visitors in April, lifting the first four months’ total to 8.8 million, a 14.6% year-on-year increase and about 35% of its 2026 target of 25 million arrivals.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) said the figures highlight the country’s rising profile as a safe, stable and increasingly compelling destination.

It is the first time Vietnam has surpassed 2 million foreign arrivals for four straight months, and the first time the January – April tally has reached 8.8 million.

The 10 largest source markets during the period were mainland China, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Cambodia, the U.S., India, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, together accounting for roughly 72% of total arrivals. China and South Korea alone contributed nearly 40%.

The visitor mix is becoming more diversified, with several emerging markets gaining traction.

Russia stood out with growth of nearly 300% year-on-year, buoyed by the return of direct flights, strong demand for extended holidays, and Vietnam’s competitive edge in safety, infrastructure, natural assets and cost.

Southeast Asia maintained strong momentum, led by the Philippines, which surged 73.4% to enter the top 10, overtaking Malaysia. Cambodia rose 41.6%, Indonesia 30.1%, Singapore 29.8%, Malaysia 21.7%, amd Thailand 8.4%.

In South Asia, India continued to emerge as a key market, expanding 59.1% and signalling substantial room for further growth.

Europe recorded the fastest regional expansion, up 53.3% year-on-year in the first four months. Western and Northern European markets posted solid gains, including the U.K. (10.4%), France (12.1%) and Germany (14.5%).

Visa-waiver markets such as Poland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic also delivered strong increases of 52.7%, 19.4% and 23.1%, underscoring the effectiveness of visa facilitation in boosting demand.

According to VNAT’s Tourism Information Center, global uncertainties, from geopolitical tensions to security risks, are making safety an increasingly decisive factor in travel choices.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering what was achieved in the first four months this year, do you think Vietnam will be able to attract between 25 million to 30 million foreign tourists by the end of 2026? Do you know anyone who will be visiting Vietnam soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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