Vietnam’s Travel Sector Hit Hard as US Tourism Declines Fuelled by Rising Security Fears Flight Suspensions and Global Economic Uncertainty

Vietnam’s outbound tourism industry is facing mounting pressure as a combination of global instability, suspended airline routes, and rising security concerns has triggered a steep decline in travel demand to the United States. Despite the summer traditionally being a high season for international vacations, Vietnamese tour operators are witnessing a sharp drop in bookings, particularly for popular American destinations. This downturn is being driven by factors including geopolitical tensions, increased flight disruptions through key transit hubs like Doha and Dubai, and growing traveler hesitation amid safety and economic uncertainties. As airlines reroute and tourism businesses adjust their strategies, Vietnam’s once-vibrant US travel market is navigating one of its most turbulent seasons in recent years.

Vietnamese Tour Operators Grapple with Waning U.S. Travel Demand Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty and Airline Disruptions

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Vietnam’s travel industry is facing mounting challenges as shifting global dynamics, airline route suspensions, and heightened security risks continue to hinder outbound tourism to the United States. Even during what is traditionally the busiest time of the year—summer—Vietnamese tour agencies are witnessing a significant decline in bookings, particularly for long-haul destinations.

One major travel agency had initially scheduled group tours using Emirates flights transiting through Dubai. However, with the airline’s abrupt suspension of U.S.-bound routes, the company was forced to swiftly pivot. EVA Air, a Taiwan-based airline, was selected as the new carrier to accommodate the pre-booked itineraries. While this change helped maintain operational continuity, it has not come without complications.

Despite such logistical hurdles, tour companies are staying committed to existing travel contracts and ensuring their clients’ safety in a climate where global instability is reshaping tourism patterns.

Peak Season Slump Highlights Decreased Interest

What should have been a period of soaring demand has instead brought an alarming dip in bookings. According to internal figures, some Vietnamese travel firms have experienced a steep decline of between twenty to thirty percent in summer travel reservations compared to the same period in the previous year.

Tourists from Vietnam have historically been drawn to iconic destinations on both U.S. coasts. Popular choices include California and Nevada in the west, as well as New York and Washington, D.C. on the east. However, travel interest has stalled dramatically, even during months when family vacations and overseas tours are typically at their peak.

One of the primary reasons cited for this downturn is the rising perception of risk associated with traveling to the United States. Heightened geopolitical tensions and concerns about security are making travelers hesitant to commit to trips across the Pacific.

Overseas Travel Rises, But U.S. Faces Setback

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, over 5.3 million Vietnamese travelers ventured abroad in 2024, marking a nearly six percent rise from the previous year. Destinations across Europe and North America remained on travelers’ radar, with countries such as Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands still featuring on travel itineraries. However, the enthusiasm for U.S. travel has significantly cooled.

A recent forecast by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) indicates the United States is poised to lose an estimated $12.5 billion in tourism revenue by the end of 2025. Tourism spending in the country is expected to dip below $169 billion—approximately seven percent lower than the 2024 figure and trailing twenty-two percent behind pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019.

Airline Industry Struggles Amid Regional Volatility

Adding to the turbulence is a notable decline in connecting flights through key international hubs. Airlines such as Qatar Airways and Emirates have reported a substantial reduction in passenger volumes on routes transiting through Doha and Dubai. Flights that previously operated at 80 to 85 percent capacity are now running at barely 50 percent load, straining the financial viability of these long-haul services.

At Hamad International Airport in Doha, the impact has been visibly felt. Departure boards are increasingly populated with delays and last-minute cancellations. On May 24, for instance, Qatar Airways flight QR976 from Doha to Hanoi was inexplicably removed from the schedule. Passengers, left stranded without information or alternative arrangements, waited for hours, surviving on basic provisions like bottled water and instant noodles handed out by overstretched ground staff.

Such operational chaos is not merely an inconvenience to travelers—it’s also a major cost burden for airlines. With several airspaces closed due to regional conflict and political tensions, rerouting has become a necessity, forcing carriers to burn more fuel, spend additional time in the air, and cope with reduced profitability on already fragile routes.

Vietnam’s tourism sector is facing a major slump in US travel demand as global tensions, flight suspensions, and rising safety concerns disrupt summer travel plans and strain airline operations.

Navigating a Difficult Road Ahead

The confluence of factors—suspended airline routes, traveler hesitancy, and global unrest—continues to shape a challenging landscape for Vietnam’s outbound travel sector. Tour operators are not just contending with a loss of revenue but also the complexity of rebuilding trust and designing packages that feel both safe and appealing to customers.

While certain European markets remain somewhat resilient, the decline in demand for travel to the United States presents a stark warning. Without a stabilization in geopolitical conditions and renewed confidence in international flight reliability, the road to recovery for long-haul tourism from Vietnam may be slower and more uncertain than initially hoped.

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