Khanh Hoa targets 23.7 million tourists in 2026

Khanh Hoa expects more than 23.7 million visitors and VND80.2 trillion in tourism revenue in 2026, increases of 44.8% and 19.7% year-on-year, respectively.

The south-central coastal province forecasts more than 23.7 million visitors this year, up 44.8% and 9.1% above the target. Foreign arrivals are expected to exceed 9.4 million, a 69.6% increase.

Nguyen Long Bien, Permanent Vice-Chairman of Khanh Hoa People's Committee, said the province would diversify tourism products while protecting national resources and promoting local culture.

It plans to revive established markets such as Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), China and South Korea, while expanding in ASEAN, Western Europe, Australia, and the Middle East through targeted promotions, specialized products and new flights.

The province is also targeting high-spending, long-stay travelers with luxury beach resorts, wellness tours, golf, meetings and exhibitions, cruises, destination weddings, and Halal-friendly services.

Khanh Hoa received more than 20.4 million visitors in the first nine months, including 9.3 million overnight guests, up 45.6% from a year earlier, and 10.8% above its full-year target. Foreign arrivals reached an estimated 7.1 million, up more than 69% and 2.8% above target. Tourism revenue was nearly VND 68 trillion, up 21%, while average hotel occupancy was about 65%.

In the fourth quarter, the province expects 3.3 million visitors, up 39.8% year-on-year, including 2.25 million foreigners. Revenue is forecast to be more than VND 12.3 trillion.

To maintain growth, Khanh Hoa is expanding air links and stepping up promotions in key overseas markets. It lauched Bangkok-Cam Ranh and Minsk-Cam Ranh international services in the first nine months, along with domestic routes linking Cam Ranh with Phu Quoc (An Giang) and Dong Hoi (Quang Tri). The coastal province also received 38 international cruise ships carrying more than 60,000 passengers.

Officials said Khanh Hoa must improve services, diversify source markets and raise visitor spending to shift from growth in arrivals to higher tourism value.