Global hotel chains in Vietnam scramble amid record tourism growth

Marriott International, the world's largest by number of rooms, recently announced plans for 10 new hotels and resorts with 4,500 rooms in emerging tourist destinations Phu Quoc and Vung Tau from now through 2030.

This year alone, it plans to open two on Hon Thom Island in Phu Quoc and one each in Da Nang and Hoi An.

It already operates 32 properties with more than 9,900 rooms under 11 brands in 10 cities in the country.

Nguyen Thi My Lan, marketing director at Marriott International Vietnam, said her company views Vietnam as one of the markets least affected by global economic volatility in the Asia-Pacific region, reinforcing its positive outlook for the country’s travel industry, Voice of Vietnam reported.

British hospitality company IHG Hotels & Resorts also revealed its plans to open two new hotels in the coming years.

On Ho Tram beach in Vung Tau, less than two hours' drive from HCMC, Regent Ho Tram is expected to open in 2032 as a 220-key luxury beachfront resort targeting affluent travelers.

Crowne Plaza Saigon Binh Duong will open in 2029 in Thuan An Ward (formerly Binh Duong Province and now part of HCMC).

Vietnam's tourism sector has emerged as a bright spot on the global travel map amid persistent economic and geopolitical uncertainty worldwide.

It grew by 12.4% in the first quarter of 2026, six times the global average and four times the Asia-Pacific rate, according to data from the United Nations Tourism Organization.

It targets 25 million foreign visitors this year following a record 21.1 million last year.