Vietnam is increasingly turning to wedding tourism as a burgeoning sector to stimulate its economy and promote its tourist destinations. With a growing global interest in destination weddings, local authorities and businesses are focusing on this niche market to boost revenue and attract international travelers.
Rising Market Trend
Vietnam’s tourism sector aims to attract 22-23 million international visitors and 120-130 million domestic travelers by 2025. To achieve this ambitious goal, the sector is exploring new trends, with wedding tourism emerging as a key opportunity.
Wedding tourism, still a relatively novel concept in Vietnam, offers significant potential for growth. According to Nguyen Quang Vinh, an expert from the Institute for Tourism Development Research, wedding tourism has become a strategic focus for many Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. These nations are capitalizing on their tropical beaches, vibrant cultures, and affordable event costs to attract couples seeking memorable wedding experiences.
Wedding tourism involves couples traveling to a destination for weddings and related events, such as engagements, pre-wedding photoshoots, and anniversaries. Vietnam, with its scenic landscapes, pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and affordable yet high-quality services, is well-positioned to develop this sector. The country’s diverse settings offer a variety of backdrops for weddings, ensuring unique and personalized experiences for each couple.
Key Destinations for Wedding Tourism
Several destinations in Vietnam stand out for their potential in wedding tourism, including Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Phan Thiet, Ninh Binh, and Quang Ninh. These areas are favored not only for their natural beauty but also for their premium hospitality services and immersive experiences.
The growing interest in wedding tourism is already evident in popular locations like Phan Thiet, Con Dao Island, Phu Quoc Island, and Ha Long Bay, where numerous weddings have taken place. For instance, in 2019, an Indian billionaire couple hosted a grand wedding in Phu Quoc, with 700 guests in attendance. Since then, Phu Quoc’s luxury resorts have continued to attract international couples, cementing the island’s position as a leading wedding destination.
Moreover, the recognition of Phu Quoc at prestigious global tourism awards further strengthens its appeal as a top-tier wedding venue. The region’s pristine beaches, cultural heritage sites, upscale resorts, vibrant cuisine, and warm hospitality contribute to its growing popularity.
Strategies to Boost Wedding Tourism
To further capitalize on the wedding tourism market, experts suggest that local authorities and tourism businesses adopt targeted strategies. Understanding the preferences of international couples, such as beachside weddings in Phu Quoc, Da Nang, or Ha Long, or traditional ceremonies in cultural hubs like Hoi An and Hue, is essential in shaping attractive wedding packages.
Moreover, businesses must cater to cultural differences in wedding traditions to offer personalized and unforgettable experiences. Promoting Vietnam’s successful wedding destinations through social media and showcasing real wedding stories can also enhance its appeal to foreign markets.
Investing in skilled personnel for wedding services is another key recommendation. Training in event planning, photography, decoration, videography, and fashion styling will ensure high-quality service and elevate the country’s wedding tourism industry.
Economic Opportunities from Wedding Tourism
From a business perspective, wedding tourists are typically affluent and willing to spend generously on premium services. According to Dinh Duc Quang of APEC Mandala Wyndham Mui Ne, wedding tourists’ extended guest lists create additional demand for hospitality services, providing an excellent opportunity for tourism businesses to boost their revenue. Offering packages that encourage extended stays can further capitalize on this lucrative market.
Tran Thi Mai Huong, an expert from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, emphasized the importance of personalized wedding services. With guests often traveling from various countries, it is crucial for service providers to design memorable and culturally resonant experiences. By catering to the distinct preferences of international couples, Vietnam can solidify its place as a premier wedding tourism destination.
