Emerging Trends in the Vietnam MICE Industry (2025–2026)
What are the most significant emerging trends you’re observing in your country’s MICE industry for 2025–2026, and what factors are driving these changes?
Vietnam is seeing a surge in international interest as a MICE destination, particularly in the incentive travel segment. This momentum is fueled by a growing pipeline of new hotels and resorts, improved air connectivity via new international and regional routes, and government efforts to streamline visa processes and enhance business infrastructure. Together, these developments are making the country increasingly attractive and accessible for global event organisers.
How is your market responding to the rising demand for sustainable and responsible business events?
Sustainability has become a central focus, with local suppliers and venues gradually embracing eco-conscious practices. These include reducing single-use plastics, minimising event waste, promoting sustainable gifting, and developing greener transportation and lodging options. A new generation of eco-resorts is helping to set higher standards in environmental responsibility. However, areas like waste management and water conservation still require broader systemic improvements.
What role are government bodies or industry associations playing in supporting the recovery and growth of the MICE sector through 2025–2026?
Public–private collaboration is key to the sector’s sustainable growth. Government agencies are actively shaping Vietnam’s MICE roadmap by investing in infrastructure, launching destination promotions, and offering co-funded programs to support local businesses. Their involvement is helping to accelerate sectoral trends and expand access to new markets — but success depends on maintaining close, responsive, and long-term cooperation with industry stakeholders.
How is your country positioning itself to attract more international MICE events in 2025–2026, and what advantages or challenges do you anticipate?
Vietnam has made major strides, especially in incentive travel, thanks to the innovation and energy of local organisers. However, a more cohesive national MICE marketing strategy is still needed. While infrastructure development is ongoing, the country still lacks large-scale, world-class venues to match competitors like Singapore or Bangkok. Despite these challenges, Vietnam’s growth trajectory is strong, and with continued investment, it is well-positioned to close the gap in the near future.
Looking ahead, which sectors or audience segments (e.g., medical congresses, tech conferences, incentive travel) are expected to drive the most growth in your country’s MICE industry?
Large-scale conferences and congresses are set to drive the next wave of growth, with cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang offering strategic locations, expanding air access, and a rising number of hotels and event spaces. Planned international airport developments will further boost Vietnam’s capacity to host major events, which, in turn, will also fuel demand in incentive travel and related segments.
What are the most significant emerging trends you’re observing in your country’s MICE industry for 2025–2026, and what factors are driving these changes?
Vietnam’s MICE industry is entering a dynamic growth phase as the country becomes an increasingly attractive destination for large-scale incentive and conference groups, ranging from 500 to 5,000 participants. This momentum is being driven by continuous improvements in infrastructure and visa policies, which have made Vietnam a preferred location for major technology companies such as AWS, Google, and Opswat, as well as financial institutions like Prudential, DB Bank, and HSBC. These organisations are combining business events with curated local experiences, enhancing the overall appeal.
Beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the development of highways, airports, and large-scale resorts is unlocking the potential of emerging destinations such as Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Ninh Binh. These locations are now drawing both domestic and international MICE groups for internal events, corporate retreats, and incentive travel, contributing to a more balanced and diversified national MICE footprint.
How is your market responding to the rising demand for sustainable and responsible business events?
Vietnam is actively responding to the global ESG movement, with a growing number of hotels, resorts, and destination management companies adopting greener practices. These include reducing or eliminating single-use plastics, offering low-waste catering, promoting carbon offset programmes, and turning to more organic and eco-conscious solutions.
Corporate social responsibility initiatives are also becoming more common, with hotels and companies across the country organising environmental clean-up efforts involving both staff and guests. These developments reflect Vietnam’s growing alignment with international expectations for sustainability in business events.
What role are government bodies or industry associations playing in supporting the recovery and growth of the MICE sector through 2025–2026?
Government agencies and industry associations are playing a pivotal role in driving the recovery and expansion of Vietnam’s MICE sector. Their efforts include major investments in infrastructure projects such as the Long Thanh International Airport and national expressway systems, as well as offering policy support through tax incentives and streamlined visa processes.
Vietnam is also actively promoted at key international business event platforms such as IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America. In parallel, authorities are encouraging sustainable practices by integrating ESG policies into the tourism and event ecosystem. Local tourism departments are also being engaged to support the attraction of conferences and incentive programmes across the country.
Together, these efforts are shaping Vietnam’s positioning as one of Asia’s leading destinations for business events.
How is your country positioning itself to attract more international MICE events in 2025–2026, and what advantages or challenges do you anticipate?
Vietnam is strengthening its global MICE positioning through strategic upgrades in airports, highways, and convention centers, alongside the implementation of expanded e-visa options and visa exemptions. The country is being actively promoted through international trade shows and digital campaigns, while public and private stakeholders are working together to build a compelling destination brand.
Vietnam offers several advantages, including competitive pricing, destination diversity, UNESCO heritage sites, tropical beaches, a growing portfolio of international luxury resorts, and a rich cultural backdrop. In addition, the country is building a strong reputation for sustainability and is supported by a skilled pool of MICE professionals and experienced DMCs.
However, challenges persist. These include limited availability of large-scale venues and accommodation in some areas, infrastructure gaps, increasing competition from established regional MICE hubs, and the ongoing need to ensure sustainable development across the board.
Looking ahead, which sectors or audience segments (e.g., medical congresses, tech conferences, incentive travel) are expected to drive the most growth in your country’s MICE industry?
Incentive travel is anticipated to be the leading growth driver, with more organisations seeking rewarding, experience-led programmes for their teams. Destinations such as Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang are seeing strong demand thanks to their scenic appeal, luxury resorts, and expanding air connectivity.
Alongside this, technology conferences and medical congresses are also on the rise. These events are attracting regional and international delegates, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, which now boast upgraded infrastructure and a wider selection of modern venues to support high-level business events.
Last modified: September 14, 2025
