Global tourism is entering a new phase, marked by clear trends towards sustainable green tourism, smart digital tourism, and deeply personalised experiences. In response, Khanh Hoa is accelerating green transition, promoting eco-friendly, smart and energy-efficient urban development, and encouraging environmentally friendly public transport, including electric and clean-energy vehicles. It also urges businesses to adopt circular economy models, reduce waste, and minimise single-use plastics.
Vinpearl Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island in Nha Trang ward is a pioneer in implementing a multi-layered smart green tourism model in the province.
Nguyen Thi Hoa, Marketing Director of the Vinpearl JSC, said the company has maintained a stable flow of both international and domestic visitors. It has taken the lead in integrating this model into new, distinctive products to enhance visitor experiences and, at the same time, advancing digital infrastructure, smart tourism, and a high-quality human resources development strategy.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Dong Ninh Hoa ward is a famous eco-resort recognised both domestically and internationally for its commitment to sustainability. The resort uses solar power, avoids single-use plastics, turns food waste into compost for its gardens, and repurposes old towels into plant pots. This eco-friendly approach has built a distinctive charm, drawing in luxury travellers who care about the environment.
Key sources of international arrivals in Khanh Hoa include Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Southeast Asia. In addition to its established strengths in marine and high-end resort tourism, the province is developing specialised products, particularly premium resort tourism combined with golf. Plans are underway to develop four tourism complexes featuring modern golf courses, targeting major markets with long stays such as the Republic of Korea.
Pham Minh Nhut, Chairman of the Khanh Hoa Tourism Association, noted that businesses are developing a range of modern and high-end golf courses to meet growing demand. Compared to regional competitors, golf services in the province are competitively priced and benefit from favourable natural conditions, making them attractive to international visitors. Travel firms are also promoting nature and culinary tours tailored to this segment.
Russian tourists, long-time visitors to Khanh Hoa, often enjoy extended holidays to escape the winter cold. To cater to them, the province is rolling out a “tour within a tour” concept where visitors explore Khanh Hoa and then head to nearby destinations, adding variety, efficiency, and richer travel experiences. This approach is proving to be both popular and effective.
Enhancing experience, adding value
Cam Ranh International Airport is among Vietnam Airlines’ major operational hubs, ranking behind Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City in traffic volume.
Nguyen Huy Cuong, head of Vietnam Airlines’ Nha Trang branch, said Khanh Hoa holds strong appeal for international travellers. The airline is not only providing transport services but also working with the locality to develop a tourism service ecosystem and new products aligned with emerging trends, focusing on mid- and high-end segments. Integrated packages combining flights, resorts, sports, and health care are seen as a key direction to enrich visitor experience and value, particularly for international tourists.
Cung Quynh Anh, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, noted that sources of international visitors to Khanh Hoa is highly diverse. The province is focusing on three groups: core markets (main markets needing immediate priority) such as Russia, the Republic of Korea, and China; growth markets (emerging and highly potential markets to be tapped according to a short-term roadmap) such as Germany, the UK, France, Australia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia; and potential markets (to be tapped according to a long-term roadmap) such as Northern Europe, Indonesia, the Philippines, Qatar, and Eastern Europe like the Czech Republic and Poland.
It is also developing world-class marine tourism infrastructure and spaces by upgrading and expanding Cam Ranh International Airport to five-star standards, increasing direct air routes to key markets (including Northeast Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East), and modernising seaports in Nha Trang, Van Phong, and Cam Ranh to accommodate large international cruise ships. Plans also include coastal resort – entertainment – commercial complexes, duty-free shopping centres, and theme parks, alongside improved regional connectivity through coastal roads and high-speed boat and yacht routes linking Van Phong, Nha Trang, Vinh Hy, and Ninh Chu bays.
Khanh Hoa’s tourism sector is stepping up efforts to improve human resources quality, focusing on multilingual capacity, cultural knowledge, skills, and professionalism, while promoting the brand “Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa – A leading destination in Southeast Asia” across international media and travel platforms.
The province aims to welcome around 31.6 million visitors by 2030, including 10.5 million international arrivals. Tourism and services are expected to contribute 15% to its gross regional domestic product (GRDP) and create jobs for more than 300,000 workers, both directly and indirectly, as Khanh Hoa strives to become a leading destination in Southeast Asia and an international marine tourism hub./.
