Vietnam tourism to top one million Russian visitors by 2026

Vietnam is on track to receive more than one million tourists from Russia by the end of 2026, according to the Russian Tour Operators Association. The surge is attributed to expanded direct flight routes, simplified entry procedures and lower accommodation costs that make Vietnam a preferred long‑haul destination for Russian travellers.

The broader Asia‑Pacific tourism market is also projected to grow sharply. Forecasts by the Pacific Asia Travel Association show visitor arrivals across 39 regional destinations rising to 714.9 million in 2026 and reaching nearly 790 million by 2028. Vietnam is expected to record a 31.2 % increase in arrivals between 2025 and 2027, driven largely by demand from China, while Japan, Thailand and Malaysia are among other strong performers. Analysts note that rising incomes in key source markets, AI‑enhanced travel experiences and more flexible visa policies are fueling growth, even as geopolitical tensions, higher travel costs and safety concerns pose challenges.