After a year in 2024 marked by a rapid recovery in business tourism, Vietnam emerges in 2025 as an essential Bleisure destination. Leveraging its historical strengths such as competitive prices, skilled workforce, and undeniable cultural richness, the country innovates and transforms to offer an increasingly appealing experience to international event organizers and business travelers seeking a balance between work and leisure.

► Learn more : Bleisure Travel in Vietnam

Although at the time of writing this article, precise data for 2024 was not available, it can be underlined without hesitation that this year was particularly important for the restart and growth of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector in Vietnam. This recovery laid solid foundations upon which the country is building its Bleisure offering in 2025.

For those who love numbers, here is a glimpse of the 2024 data: While Vietnam aimed to welcome 18 million international tourists in 2024, the country already recorded nearly 11.4 million foreign visitors in the first eight months. This represents an increase of 45.8% compared to the previous year and a return to levels close to those before the Covid-19 pandemic (source: Vietnam+).
Another notable marker, the revenues generated by the tourism sector are expected to reach around 850,000 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately 36 billion USD) in 2024 (source: vietnam.vn).
Ho Chi Minh City was particularly in the spotlight this year: recently recognized as the "Best Business Tourism Destination in Asia" at the World MICE Tourism Awards, the Southern megacity aims to attract around 6 million foreign tourists in 2024. And one last one for the road: For the first nine months of 2024, Ho Chi Minh City generated a total revenue estimated at 140,398 billion dong (an increase of +11.9% compared to the same period in 2023), with a continuous growth in earnings.

Beyond the numbers, MICE tourism has propelled the Vietnamese economy. This booming sector generates substantial revenues, as evidenced by the 35% increase in revenues for national agencies linked to MICE groups. Each participant spends an average of 6 million dong, thus injecting a significant sum into the local economy. At the same time, the development of MICE creates numerous jobs in hospitality, catering, and event services, contributing to improving the standard of living of the Vietnamese people.
 

Trusted DMC was present at the ITE - Ho Chi Minh City 2024 - Source : Trusted DMC

MICE EXPO 2024
This event brought together 500 tourism companies and served as a platform to discuss the trends and challenges of the sector. During a forum organized as part of this event, 300 participants were able to exchange thoughts on sustainable development and digital transformation of MICE tourism in Vietnam.

This 18th edition of the International Travel Expo established itself as the largest annual international tourism fair in Vietnam (with over 400 exhibitors, 250 high-level buyers from over 40 countries, and some 25,000 visitors). The theme of this year was "Responsible Tourism - Creating the Future." Trusted DMC was also present at this event.
 

MICE Expo 2024, the largest annual international tourism fair in Vietnam - Source : Internet

Vietnam establishes itself in 2025 as a leading destination for business travelers seeking an experience that combines work and leisure. With its exponential growth in the MICE sector in 2024, the country confirms its position as a leader in business tourism. By merging the strengths of a mature MICE destination with a rich and diverse tourist offering, Vietnam is attracting more and more professionals eager to extend their stay to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture.

► You may be also interested in : Why choose Vietnam for your MICE events?

The concept of Bleisure, which combines business and leisure, has become an essential trend in the world of business travel. Vietnam, with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique way of life, perfectly meets this new demand.
Did you know? It is estimated that the bleisure market in Vietnam will experience an annual growth of 12.7% between 2023 and 2028, reaching a value of 3.2 billion dollars.

Vietnamese metropolises are equipped with increasingly modern and efficient hotel infrastructures. These establishments offer state-of-the-art coworking spaces, ultra-modern fitness centers, and luxurious spas, thus meeting the varied needs of demanding business travelers.

Beyond dynamic business centers, Vietnam offers a range of activities for relaxation and rejuvenation: from paradise beaches to lush mountains, historic cities, and lush countryside, Vietnam provides a multitude of activities for all tastes.

Vietnam maintains its attractiveness thanks to an excellent value for money, allowing travelers to fully enjoy their Bleisure stay without compromising their budget.

Renowned for their warm hospitality and open-mindedness, the Vietnamese offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich and authentic culture, while enjoying a comfortable and pleasant stay.

Vietnam stands out for regularly organizing large-scale cultural and sporting events, offering travelers the opportunity to experience unique experiences and mingle with the vibrant local life.
6. Strong commitment to sustainable development
Vietnam is committed to sustainable tourism, thus preserving its natural resources and supporting local communities
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The Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills. Da Nang is a popular destination for Bleisure tourism - Source : Internet

The development of digital tourism: Vietnam is betting on technology to offer personalized experiences and facilitate trip organization.
New tourist products: Tailor-made tours, unique culinary experiences, and wellness stays are offered to meet the most demanding expectations.
Increased promotion of cultural and sporting events: Vietnam regularly organizes large events, offering travelers the opportunity to experience unique experiences.

By 2025, Vietnam will have established itself as a benchmark destination for bleisure, redefining industry standards. By combining the assets of a mature MICE destination with a rich, diversified and constantly renewed tourism offering, the Land of Two Deltas offers a unique experience to business travellers from all over the world. Whether it's to organize a team meeting in an inspiring setting, take part in a high-level international congress, or simply recharge your batteries after an intense day's work, Vietnam has everything it takes to seduce and win the loyalty of a demanding Bleisure clientele in search of meaning.
This reinvention of Vietnam as a leading Bleisure destination bears witness to the country's ability to adapt to new trends in business tourism while enhancing its unique identity.

In 2025, the Land of the Dragon will not only meet the expectations of Bleisure travellers: it will anticipate and exceed them, promising unforgettable experiences where work and discovery come together in harmony.

Sources to consult :
HCMC with huge potential in developing bleisure travel : https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/en/post/17691
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism: https://www.vietnamtourism.com/
Bleisure in Vietnam Magazine: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/travel-to-vietnam-covid-pandemic