According to statistics, in 2023, the number of international visitors to Lao Cai increased 4.5 times compared to 2022. In 2024, it increased by 53% compared to 2023. By 2025, Lao Cai is expected to welcome 1.2 million international visitors.

Specifically, in 2023, the total number of visitors to Lao Cai will reach more than 7.2 million, of which domestic tourists will reach more than 6.7 million, international tourists will reach nearly 540 thousand, an increase of 71% compared to the same period in 2022 (4,238,91 arrivals), reaching 121% of the 2023 plan. Total revenue from tourists will reach about VND 22,244 billion, an increase of 48.9% compared to the same period in 2022 (VND 14,940 billion), reaching 108.5% of the 2023 plan.

In 2024, the total number of visitors to Lao Cai will reach nearly 8.1 million, of which international visitors will reach more than 820,000 and domestic visitors will reach more than 7.2 million, equal to 95% of the 2024 plan (8,500,000), an increase of 11.45% compared to the same period in 2023 (7,261,581). Total revenue from tourists will reach VND 26,943 billion, equal to 98% of the annual plan (VND 27,200 billion), an increase of 21% compared to the same period in 2023 (VND 22,244 billion).

In the first quarter of 2025, according to statistics, the total number of tourists reached more than 3 million, of which international visitors reached more than 250 thousand, domestic visitors nearly 2.8 million, equal to 30% of the 2025 plan (10,000,000), up 50% compared to the same period in 2024 (2,100,588). Total revenue from tourists reached about 10,235 billion VND, equal to 23% of the annual plan (44,750 billion VND), up 60% compared to the same period in 2024 (6,407 billion VND).

The report stated that tourism development is an advantage of the province, especially the Sa Pa National Tourist Area - a tourist destination with a brand name of over 120 years on the world tourism map: eco-tourism, resort, cultural, spiritual tourism,... along with scenic spots, rich and unique cultural identities of 25 ethnic groups and sectors and other advantages such as: export economy, agriculture,... Based on the above potentials and advantages, Lao Cai province has identified tourism and service development as one of the two major breakthrough areas of the province.

In addition, state management of tourism has been strengthened, tourism service business activities have gradually become more organized, organizations and individuals comply with the law in tourism service business activities; Cooperation and association in tourism development at home and abroad have many innovations, promoting effectiveness and efficiency.

In order to promote the achievements, promote the exploitation of visitors from the international market and overcome existing problems, the Report recommends: It is necessary to perfect the mechanism and policies, focusing on specific policies; Improve the effectiveness of tourism promotion activities in a professional direction with specific actions; Link to develop and diversify tourism products to serve international visitors.

The report also said that the People's Committee of Lao Cai province recommended and proposed to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to advise the Government to issue a separate mechanism for cross-border tourism cooperation zones, with policies to support and promote tourism activities in cross-border tourism cooperation zones, in order to attract a large number of tourists between the two countries of Vietnam and China.

Support communication to promote Lao Cai tourism to international markets, especially in national tourism promotion campaigns, and support the locality to participate in international tourism fairs abroad such as Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and North America markets...

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/lao-cai-day-manh-lien-ket-phat-trien-da-dang-hoa-san-pham-du-lich-phuc-vu-khach-quoc-te-20250428172127075.htm