Real-time data, AI-powered itineraries, and sustainability tracking—Vietnam’s new platform could reshape how the entire region manages tourism growth
Visit Vietnam’s real-time data dashboard allows authorities to monitor destination capacity and manage visitor flows across the country
Vietnam officially launched Visit Vietnam on 20 December 2025—a national tourism data platform designed to manage the country’s booming travel sector responsibly. The platform arrives at a crucial moment: Vietnam welcomed 21.5 million international visitors in 2025, a 21% increase from 2024, generating over VND1 quadrillion (approximately £32 billion, US$40 billion) in tourism revenue.
Visit Vietnam isn’t simply another booking website. It connects government agencies, tourism businesses, and travellers through a real-time tourism data map that monitors destination capacity, manages visitor flows, and identifies operational risks. The platform pulls information from multiple sources—government data, tourism enterprises, and international payment providers like Visa—creating a comprehensive picture of travel patterns across the country.
For small and medium-sized tourism businesses, the platform offers direct access to market analytics and customer data without expensive dependence on international booking agencies. For travellers, it promises personalised itineraries built around preferences, budgets, and available time, plus real-time alerts about crowds, weather, and local conditions, enabling independent travellers to better plan their holidays.
The platform was developed collaboratively between the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), the National Data Association, Sun Group, and Visa. Sun Group’s nationwide tourism operations provide rich datasets from real-world activity, whilst Visa contributes international payment behaviour analytics and security standards. This multi-stakeholder approach reflects Vietnam’s strategy to build infrastructure that serves all tourism participants.
Recent payment data shows travellers are increasingly investing in entertainment, cultural events, and retail experiences—not just natural landscapes. This shift has direct implications for how destinations should develop their offerings. Local businesses using the platform can identify which markets spend most on dining, shopping, or cultural activities and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Visitors increasingly invest in cultural experiences and local shopping—data that helps tourism businesses tailor their offerings
For conscious travellers, the platform’s real-time monitoring addresses a critical issue: over-tourism at heritage sites and fragile ecosystems. By tracking visitor patterns and environmental impact, authorities can manage destination capacity and protect sensitive areas. This aligns with Vietnam’s broader commitment to smart tourism that balances growth with environmental responsibility.
Vietnam’s approach stands out regionally. Thailand has developed the TAT-AI initiative and “Travel Link” platform, but Vietnam’s unified national infrastructure creates a single source of truth for tourism data—something neighbouring countries are still working to achieve. The platform is already being studied across Southeast Asia as a potential template for regional collaboration under the ASEAN Ecotourism Standard.
Visit Vietnam launched in demo form in December 2025 and will become fully operational in Q2 2026. This phased approach allows for testing, refinement, and integration of additional data sources before full public release.
Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable tourism infrastructure—key to managing growth responsibly whilst protecting fragile ecosystems. Image courtesy of Mai Chau Ecolodge
For tourism professionals and conscious travellers alike, this development signals a regional shift. The days of destinations simply chasing visitor numbers are ending. The future belongs to those managing growth responsibly whilst protecting what makes them special. Explore AU’s coverage of Vietnam’s sustainable tourism transformation through articles on Vietnam’s Smart Tourism Revolution, Phu Quoc’s Bold Green Revolution, and why Phu Quoc Island remains a Southeast Asian jewel for nature lovers and conscious travellers.
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