Making Vietnam an events tourism hotspot

Making Vietnam an events tourism hotspot, photo Sheraton HN West

According to Mordor Intelligence forecasts, the events industry in Vietnam could reach $7.8 billion by the end of 2025 and continue to grow at a compound rate of 6.67 per cent, reaching $10.8 billion by 2030.

To keep pace with the growth, Vietnam’s hospitality landscape is evolving rapidly, with key trends including a strong push towards sustainability, increasing digital integration, and a rising demand for personalised, experience-driven travel.

Agnaldo Garibaldi, general manager at Pullman Danang Beach Resort

Luxury events tourism may account for a smaller share of total visitor numbers, but it plays a disproportionately influential role in driving tourism revenue, especially in key hubs like Danang.

In 2024, Danang welcomed about 200 industry delegations, bringing in over 70,000 participants, a 29 per cent increase compared to 2023. Such guests typically stay longer, book premium services, and spend significantly more than average tourists.

Vietnam is establishing itself as a competitive destination for luxury event tourism in Asia. International organisers are increasingly choosing Vietnam for its modern facilities, reliable service quality, and distinctive cultural experiences.

What sets Vietnam apart is the combination of well-developed infrastructure, from convention centers to high-end resorts, and the opportunity to create memorable experiences through local cuisine, heritage, and natural beauty. These elements offer strong value for organisers seeking more than just logistics, they want engagement, authenticity, and atmosphere.

Vietnam’s rising profile is reflected in regional recognition and the growing number of international events groups choosing the country. Danang remains the top rising star for such tourism due to its modern facilities, coastal setting, and growing recognition. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi continue to be key players as well, offering established infrastructures and diverse event options.

Sunny Ghaiee, executive assistant manager at Hanoi Daewoo Hotel

Right now, Vietnam’s event industry is incredibly vibrant, with several key destinations standing out. Hanoi continues to lead thanks to its political and business significance – it’s the go-to place for high-level conferences, government meetings, and international delegations.

Halong is another rising star. With its breathtaking natural scenery and upgraded infrastructure, it’s become a popular choice for incentive travel and destination events. The experience there feels both luxurious and uniquely Vietnamese.

Danang remains one of the most well-rounded destinations. Its accessibility, strong hotel network, and proximity to cultural landmarks like Hoi An make it ideal for large-scale conferences and regional corporate events.

Then we have Nha Trang and Phu Quoc – both are gaining traction, especially for incentive groups and lifestyle-focused events. Phu Quoc, in particular, is attracting international interest for exclusive retreats and high-end brand activations. As for trends, personalisation is key – events are becoming more experience-driven.

We’re also seeing a rise in business leisure travel, where business guests extend their stays for leisure. Sustainability, wellness, and hybrid event capabilities are no longer add-ons – they’re expectations. Vietnam is in a great position to meet these demands with creativity and authenticity.

As cultural and event tourism thrives in Vietnam, Hanoi has become a dynamic destination for both young travellers and high-profile diplomatic or business delegations. Hanoi Daewoo Hotel positions itself as a must-selected venue for these guests with a blend of legacy, luxury, and adaptability.

Strategically located in the city’s diplomatic core, the hotel offers seamless access to major cultural sites, event venues, and government offices. Its expansive event facilities – including grand ballrooms, versatile meeting rooms, and a scenic outdoor poolside area – are ideal for hosting everything from business forums and gala dinners to private celebrations and post-concert events.

Our proven track record in welcoming heads of state, celebrities, and global business leaders reinforces its reputation for discretion, security, and world-class service. Guests benefit from personalised experiences such as multilingual assistance, curated menus, and VIP arrangements tailored to specific needs.

Tiffany Hwang, general manager at Sheraton Hanoi Hotel

While luxury events tourism may occur less frequently, it generates significant revenue compared to independent travellers. It is crucial for the tourism development of Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi.

Providing a seamless experience is essential for guests and organisers travelling to a new country for their events. If we excel in this area, we can leave a lasting impression on international event organisers and guests, thereby establishing our presence on the global map for luxury events tourism. I believe that Vietnam’s international chained hotels, such as Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, are well-equipped and confident in hosting such groups.

Vietnam has been actively promoting its events tourism industry by participating in international trade shows and marketing campaigns to attract global events. With its rich culture, diverse cuisine, historic towns, and stunning natural landscapes, along with beautiful venues, Vietnam stands out as a compelling choice for those looking to host luxury events, especially in comparison to Thailand and other ASEAN member countries.

At Sheraton, we embrace our identity as a place where the world gathers, welcoming international guests from all corners of the globe. As long as there is interest in organising events in Vietnam, we are committed to meeting their needs. In recent years, we have observed a significant increase in interest from the Indian market. To cater to this emerging market, we are actively seeking to hire an Indian chef to join our permanent team and provide our guests with authentic culinary experiences.

An emerging trend is the sourcing of sustainable hospitality service providers who can offer innovative solutions for meetings and conferences, such as using tables and chairs without covers to save water, eliminating plastic bottles, and contributing to carbon offset projects globally. At Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, we provide these sustainable solutions and have received positive feedback from our clients.

Thomas Evrard, general manager at Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre

I see first hand how Hanoi is evolving as a destination, not just for official visits, but also for culture, events, and a younger crowd looking for real, local experiences.

Our hotel in the central location amid the elegant old French Quarter of Hanoi provides unmatched accessibility to major concert venues, cultural landmarks, government institutions, and entertainment and historical hotspots. These include the weekend walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake, the social media-loving railway streets, and unique night tours in Hoa Lo Prison that are drawing more and more young travellers to soak in the city’s raw charm and snap unforgettable photos.

At the same time, we’re also welcoming business and diplomatic guests, who value both efficiency and a sense of place. It’s a strategic location for hosting business and diplomatic guests, offering both convenience and authenticity. We offer 155 well-appointed rooms and suites that blend modern comfort with timeless elegance. Our facilities are designed to meet diverse guest expectations, whether they seek efficient business amenities or relaxing leisure spaces. Our versatile meeting rooms are ideal for private events, press conferences, and business gatherings, while our wellness studio and sauna offer a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle.

One of our strongest differentiators is the culinary experience. From the bold Macanese flavours at O Macanese to the South American-style grill at Cabana Club, and our vibrant breakfast at Mangosteen, we create memorable dining moments for every guest profile.

Lastly, the signature Mövenpick Chocolate Hour adds a delightful and unique touch, especially loved by younger guests and social media influencers.

In short, Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre stands at the intersection of cultural sophistication, modern hospitality, and memorable experiences, making us the ideal venue for this new wave of travellers.

Timothy Tan, vice president of Sales, Marketing, and Commercial at The Grand Ho Tram

As a key economic driver, events tourism stimulates growth across a range of industries, including transportation, hospitality, food and beverage, and other ancillary services. This ripple effect not only creates employment opportunities for the local workforce but also supports business growth for service providers. The increasing demand for luxury events brings higher expectations for service excellence and programme sophistication.

With 30 national parks and eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, Vietnam presents a diverse and compelling backdrop for luxury events. The country’s rich heritage, shaped by 54 distinct ethnic groups, offers visitors immersive experiences that celebrate cultural diversity and authenticity. Combined with a growing focus on sustainability, Vietnam is uniquely positioned to deliver meaningful and memorable luxury programmes in settings that are both inspiring and environmentally conscious.

Besides our flexible and expansive meeting spaces, our culinary team has designed menus for meeting delegates based on wellness and sustainability with locally sourced ingredients. Guests are invited to our Zen Garden, a lush space where organic herbs and vegetables are lovingly grown.

Vietnam’s leading events tourism destinations include the major cities, as well as resort hotspots like Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. These locations offer a balance of modern infrastructure and natural appeal, making them ideal for a wide range of corporate events. Emerging trends shaping the events tourism landscape include a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism, the integration of digital technologies, and a focus on authentic cultural experiences.

Noeke Kusuma, general manager at The Reverie Saigon

Vietnam is in a transitional phase – from being an emerging destination to asserting its identity on the global map for luxury events tourism. The common trend across these markets is the demand for elevated personalisation, seamless logistics, and transformative cultural components. This aligns with what we deliver at The Reverie Saigon, where world-class service meets Vietnamese authenticity.

We’ve witnessed firsthand how events tourism has become an essential pillar in our business mix. Luxury events now demand integrated experiences – plush accommodation, iconic venues, exquisite gastronomy, and authentic local flair – all under one roof. This type of tourism is no longer off-season filler; it is becoming a strategic driver for high-yield tourism and long-stay conversion, especially in urban destinations like Ho Chi Minh City.

International event organisers are increasingly looking for non-cookie-cutter venues – places that offer something new, compelling, and photogenic. Vietnam’s blend of historical charm, modern luxury, affordability, and growing professionalism in service standards is giving it an edge, especially among Asia-based and long-haul luxury planners who seek authentic yet elevated destinations.

For 2025, we are focusing on Asia-Pacific for the high-frequency, high-spending markets with a strong events tourism culture and a growing appetite for unique experiences in Vietnam; some European nations with Vietnam Airlines and other carriers resuming and expanding direct flights; the US market, which brings sizeable incentives, board meetings, and corporate retreats – especially in tech, finance, and pharmaceuticals; and Australia, a robust events tourism market with high outbound business travel and strong familiarity with Vietnam.

Amy Nham Vu, director of Sales & Marketing at Renaissance Hoi An Resort & Spa

Luxury events tourism today goes far beyond hosting meetings. For destinations like Vietnam, this industry creates opportunities to attract high-value guests who demand service excellence and meaningful cultural immersion. Unlike Thailand or Singapore with mature infrastructures, Vietnam’s competitive edge lies in its ability to combine heritage, nature, and hospitality in a truly distinctive way.

Therefore, the top events tourism trends in 2025 include cultural immersion in event design – delegates want to experience the spirit of a place, not just the facilities; sustainable and conscious travel – companies are prioritising green venues and community engagement; and creative, open-format events – with flexible spaces like beachfront brainstorms or garden networking gaining popularity.

In 2025, high-potential markets include Singapore, South Korea, India, Australia, the US, and European countries – all of which show growing demand for programmes that blend business, leisure, and cultural discovery.

India is emerging as a strong market for destination weddings and group celebrations, while Singapore, South Korea, and Australia favour incentive travel with wellness, creativity, and local immersion. At Renaissance Hoi An, we are well-positioned to customise experiences for these audiences – offering flexibility, personalisation, and a strong connection to place.