What Other Destinations Can Learn from Vietnam and South Korea’s Tourism Recovery

Vietnam and South Korea are seeing a fast tourism recovery in 2026. Their success shows other places how to grow tourism after the pandemic.

Vietnam received 19.5 million foreign visitors through October 2026, according to the National Statistics Office. This is a 14.9 % increase from the same period last year and 44.5 % higher than 2019.

South Korea’s tourism ministry said arrivals reached more than 18.94 million by Oct 27, beating its previous full‑year record. The arrivals were up 21.4 % year‑on‑year and 28.4 % above 2019 levels.

PATA’s monitor of 44 Asia‑Pacific destinations showed total international arrivals rose only 2.9 % year‑on‑year to 239 million, still 3.7 % below 2019. Some places, such as Thailand, saw a 4.9 % decline.

PATA said the next growth phase needs more than just more visitors. It urges destinations to attract a wider range of markets, encourage longer stays, and spread tourism beyond major attractions and peak seasons, a lesson other regions can follow.

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