According to the Vietnam Association of Realtors (VARS), the recovery of the tourism sector, fueled by rising international arrivals due to expanded visa exemption policies, is significantly revitalizing major tourism and resort real estate markets.

Visa-free access paves way for international tourism

The Vietnamese government recently issued Resolution No. 229, granting visa exemptions to citizens of 12 countries from August 15, 2025, to August 14, 2028. Earlier in the same month, Decree No. 221 was also enacted to provide temporary visa waivers for select foreign individuals prioritized for socio-economic development purposes.

VARS believes that such visa policies will accelerate the recovery of hotel occupancy rates and stimulate new investments in real estate projects. Many developers are leveraging this opportunity to launch new offerings or restart previously delayed resort projects in key tourism areas.

This ongoing expansion of visa-free entry is also shaping a long-term strategy for resort real estate. The surge in long-stay, high-spending international visitors is pushing developers to focus on upscale properties like beachfront villas, international-standard resorts, and premium condotels.

To accommodate the anticipated influx of international tourists, many localities are prioritizing investment in critical infrastructure such as airports, seaports, and transport networks. This will not only enhance tourism services but also boost the overall value of real estate in those regions.

In the long run, maintaining and expanding visa exemptions will enhance Vietnam’s appeal as both a resort destination and long-term investment hub. Beyond extending visitors’ stays, these policies help attract and retain high-value groups, from long-term tourists and international professionals to investors seeking business prospects and livable environments.

A growing number of international visitors, especially repeat travelers, are showing interest in purchasing real estate for long-term residence, retirement, or investment. This trend supports the sustainable development of Vietnam’s resort property market beyond just short-term demand.

VARS affirms that visa-free policies are a crucial "lever" for the rapid and sustainable recovery of Vietnam’s tourism sector in the post-pandemic era.

Tourism revival drives value growth in resort real estate

According to VARS, the tourism rebound and increased international arrivals have boosted demand for lodging, relaxation, and experiential travel, thereby accelerating recovery in major resort and hospitality real estate markets.

Hotel occupancy rates have improved significantly. Surveys by the Vietnam Real Estate Market Research Institute and local Departments of Culture, Sports, and Tourism reveal that four- and five-star hotels in top destinations are operating at 70-90% capacity. During holidays and festivals, many report being fully booked, with room revenues up 20-30% year-on-year.

Caption: Hotel occupancy rates are surging in many locations due to international tourist arrivals.

These top-performing destinations include Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, which boast comprehensive infrastructure, strong tourism branding, and clear international marketing strategies.

As a result, the value of resort and tourism properties in these areas is steadily improving. While price spikes haven't occurred, widespread discounting has largely ended, and investor sentiment is rebounding. Some projects even saw secondary market prices increase by 5-10% over the past year. Additionally, several luxury resort projects have resumed or launched new phases with promising sales figures.

PV