HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past year, Viet Nam has sustained a strong recovery trajectory, emerging as a standout performer amid the gradual rebound of global tourism. The country welcomed 21.1 million international arrivals, a 20.4% increase that significantly outpaced the broader Asia-Pacific region's 5% growth. Notably, this was the first time Viet Nam surpassed Thailand as the leading destination for Chinese leisure travellers.
To provide the latest updates on Viet Nam's real estate and hospitality markets, as well as regional developments, the MTE HCMC 2026 conference brought together more than 60 international speakers and over 1,400 senior industry leaders. Attendees included real estate developers, hotel owners, architects, design and project consultants, hotel operators, general managers, and industry experts from across Southeast Asia. The event reinforced MTE's position as a premier platform for industry exchange, leaving participants inspired and better equipped to navigate the next phase of growth.
Within the wider Southeast Asian context, the hospitality sector continues to benefit from strong economic fundamentals, supporting travel demand and ongoing hotel development. Viet Nam has emerged as a solid performer, underpinned by RevPAR growth of 15% compared to 2024, rising occupancy rates, and shifting source markets. These factors further strengthen the country's position as one of the region's leading destinations.
Looking ahead, the country is targeting 25 million international visitors this year, an expected 18.1% YoY growth, supported by sustained demand across key source markets. This momentum is underpinned by ongoing government efforts to enhance competitiveness, including visa policy liberalisation, expanded international air connectivity, infrastructure improvements, and strengthened destination marketing initiatives.
Impact of current geopolitical tensions
Despite this positive momentum, recent geopolitical tensions are introducing short-term challenges to global travel flows. The Middle East plays a key role as a global transit hub, connecting Europe and Asia-Pacific destinations and supporting a significant share of global intercontinental transit traffic. Disruptions affecting these hubs are therefore expected to impact inter-regional travel patterns.
At the MTE HCMC 2026, the region's largest annual real estate and hospitality conference held in HCMC, Mauro Gasparotti, Senior Director, Southeast Asia at Savills Hotels comments, "While Viet Nam remains a fundamentally resilient destination, recent geopolitical tensions are already causing short-term disruption to travel demand, with increasing cancellations, postponements, and re-routed itineraries across key international markets. Although global disruptions are affecting overall travel flows, the country expects to be comparatively less impacted due to its lower reliance on Europe and Middle East inbound markets and its strong positioning within short-haul demand from North Asia, particularly South Korea and China, where travellers may increasingly favour closer, more accessible destinations."
Jesper Palmqvist, Regional Vice President, Asia-Pacific at STR CoStar, notes, "Viet Nam's hotel market continues to demonstrate resilience, with positive performance trends observed across multiple segments. The ADR displays YoY growth across luxury, upper-midscale, and economy categories, with the extent of improvement varying by segment. Compared with several regional markets, Viet Nam has maintained relatively strong momentum. Destinations such as Phu Quoc and Da Nang are gradually improving their market positioning as they mature and develop further."
Phu Quoc fuelled by APEC preparation
From a supply perspective, future hotel development in the next three years will remain concentrated in coastal destinations, with Da Nang and Phu Quoc leading in pipeline volume. Phu Quoc is seeing accelerated development in preparation for APEC. According to Savills Hotels, more than 10,000 keys, equivalent to 70% of existing inventory, are currently under development and are scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 to support the anticipated influx of international demand tied to the event.
Mauro adds, "While APEC presents a significant demand catalyst, its success will depend not only on the delivery of new hotel supply, but also on the readiness of connectivity, local infrastructure, logistics capabilities, and the effective coordination across the broader tourism and service ecosystem."
Rethinking residential and hospitality for long‑term growth
As Viet Nam enters this next phase, attention is increasingly shifting from cyclical recovery to deeper structural reforms required to support long-term stability and demand creation across residential and hospitality sectors.
Hieu Do, CEO of VinaLiving, explains, "To move the real estate market forward, we must return to fundamentals and address structural issues with practical solutions. Residential affordability can only be solved through long-term financing mechanisms and transparent buyer support policies. In hospitality, the focus must shift toward disciplined supply management and value-chain–driven zoning, where content, culture, and activities become core products, helping destinations generate sustainable demand and overcome seasonality."
Urban branded residences gain momentum
Branded residences are receiving higher global interest, underpinned by sustained demand growth and expanded brand participation across key markets. Globally, the branded residence segment continues to build a strong presence, recording a compound annual growth of 10.9%, doubling the pace of hotel and real estate markets. By the end of 2025, 910 global projects were operational, with the top 10 hotel operators collectively managing portfolios of more than 400 branded collaborations.
In Viet Nam, the market has recently seen an increase in branded developments across the two key urban centres. These projects are also becoming more diversified in terms of positioning, expanding beyond the traditional luxury segment.
Uyen Nguyen, Associate Director, Savills Hotels, adds, "Viet Nam's branded residence market is reaching an important turning point, with a strong shift from resort developments to urban projects in HCMC and Ha Noi. The growth of this model is driven by several factors, especially the expansion of high-net-worth individuals and the strong trust buyers place in developments backed by international brands. As a result, branded residences are emerging as a key long‑term strategy for developers anticipating changing buyer profiles."
The conference program also featured a series of insightful keynote presentations and panel discussions from leading industry players, including Accor Hotels Group and Boutique Corporation, QUO, 10design, Mizumi.ai, GroupGSA, Club Med, Amadeus, RH1, and The PuLi, covering key themes across hospitality, real estate, design trends and technology.
The event was co-hosted by An Cuong and Savills Hotels, in partnership with Vietceramics, SALTO, and in collaboration with Hafele, Techcombank, Technal, Nha x Philippe Starck, BOSCH, Gaggenau, Cat Tuong, Hettich, HSBC, Atlas Concorde, Gessi, D-edge, TEKA, Matrix, LQ International, Precor, Syndacast, Unios, Zennio, alongside F&B partners and media partners.
For more information about the event, please contact: Ms. Lisa via Host@wehubyou.com.
Vision Asia Pacific is a registered company which owns WeHub and organizes many event series, including the MTE conference and the HoSkar Night networking event.
PR Newswire is the Official Media Partner of MTE HCMC 2026.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Viet Nam Hospitality and Residential Markets Commence New Growth
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SINGAPORE, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda unveils a selection of trail running destinations across Asia, appealing to those seeking adventure and natural beauty. In 2026, trail running continues to gain popularity as more people embrace outdoor activities that combine fitness with exploration. Agoda's curated selection of destinations provides both unique terrains and cultural experiences, making them ideal for trail running enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves while discovering new environments.
Moc Chau, Vietnam is a trail runner's paradise with its diverse landscapes, including lush orchards, expansive tea plantations, and remote areas that remain largely unexplored by tourists. The region's natural beauty is complemented by the warm hospitality of local villagers, who often cheer on runners. The occasional marathons held here add to its appeal, and present organized events that allow participants to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture and stunning scenery.
Selangor, Malaysia features the challenging terrain of Gunung Nuang, the highest peak in the region. The dense jungle, steep inclines, and diverse wildlife create an adventurous environment for trail running. Runners can expect to encounter a variety of flora and fauna, adding an element of excitement to their journey. The natural beauty and occasional sightings of wildlife make it a compelling destination for those seeking both challenge and serenity.
Victoria Peak in Hong Kong provides a unique trail running experience with its stunning panoramic city views and accessible location. The narrow forest paths offer a challenging yet rewarding run, with the added convenience of being close to the bustling city center. The area is known for its well-organized races, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned runners who wish to enjoy the blend of urban and natural landscapes.
Siem Reap, Cambodia offers trail runners the chance to explore the breathtaking surroundings of the Angkor archaeological site. The area's picturesque rice fields, quaint villages, and the majestic Angkor Temples provide a scenic and culturally rich backdrop for running. Local marathons enhance the experience, allowing runners to connect with the region's deep historical roots while enjoying the support of enthusiastic local communities.
Betong, Thailand, a border town near the Thailand-Malaysia border, plays host to trail running races such as the Amazean Jungle trails. The steep ascents and breathtaking views make it a captivating destination for trail runners seeking a more rugged experience. The presence of wildlife, including playful monkeys and exotic birds, adds to the allure of this natural setting.
Jeju Island in South Korea is renowned for its volcanic landscapes and lush forests, providing a diverse terrain for trail running. The island's mix of rocky paths and serene forest trails offers a unique running experience that challenges and delights runners. The occasional trail races on the island attract participants eager to explore its natural wonders, from dramatic cliffs to tranquil beaches, all while enjoying the island's refreshing sea breezes.
Jun Dong, Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, "Trail running is a fantastic way for seasoned runners and beginner enthusiasts alike to explore Asia's diverse landscapes. At Agoda, we are passionate about helping travelers discover these hidden gems, offering them the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of each location. With our extensive network of accommodations and travel options, we make it easy for runners to plan their adventures and find the best deals."
Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. For more information on these trail running destinations, visit Agoda's website and find the best deals on Agoda's mobile app.
SINGAPORE, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda unveils a selection of trail running destinations across Asia, appealing to those seeking adventure and natural beauty. In 2026, trail running continues to gain popularity as more people embrace outdoor activities that combine fitness with exploration. Agoda's curated selection of destinations provides both unique terrains and cultural experiences, making them ideal for trail running enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves while discovering new environments.
Moc Chau, Vietnam is a trail runner's paradise with its diverse landscapes, including lush orchards, expansive tea plantations, and remote areas that remain largely unexplored by tourists. The region's natural beauty is complemented by the warm hospitality of local villagers, who often cheer on runners. The occasional marathons held here add to its appeal, and present organized events that allow participants to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture and stunning scenery.
Selangor, Malaysia features the challenging terrain of Gunung Nuang, the highest peak in the region. The dense jungle, steep inclines, and diverse wildlife create an adventurous environment for trail running. Runners can expect to encounter a variety of flora and fauna, adding an element of excitement to their journey. The natural beauty and occasional sightings of wildlife make it a compelling destination for those seeking both challenge and serenity.
Victoria Peak in Hong Kong provides a unique trail running experience with its stunning panoramic city views and accessible location. The narrow forest paths offer a challenging yet rewarding run, with the added convenience of being close to the bustling city center. The area is known for its well-organized races, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned runners who wish to enjoy the blend of urban and natural landscapes.
Siem Reap, Cambodia offers trail runners the chance to explore the breathtaking surroundings of the Angkor archaeological site. The area's picturesque rice fields, quaint villages, and the majestic Angkor Temples provide a scenic and culturally rich backdrop for running. Local marathons enhance the experience, allowing runners to connect with the region's deep historical roots while enjoying the support of enthusiastic local communities.
Betong, Thailand, a border town near the Thailand-Malaysia border, plays host to trail running races such as the Amazean Jungle trails. The steep ascents and breathtaking views make it a captivating destination for trail runners seeking a more rugged experience. The presence of wildlife, including playful monkeys and exotic birds, adds to the allure of this natural setting.
Jeju Island in South Korea is renowned for its volcanic landscapes and lush forests, providing a diverse terrain for trail running. The island's mix of rocky paths and serene forest trails offers a unique running experience that challenges and delights runners. The occasional trail races on the island attract participants eager to explore its natural wonders, from dramatic cliffs to tranquil beaches, all while enjoying the island's refreshing sea breezes.
Jun Dong, Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, "Trail running is a fantastic way for seasoned runners and beginner enthusiasts alike to explore Asia's diverse landscapes. At Agoda, we are passionate about helping travelers discover these hidden gems, offering them the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of each location. With our extensive network of accommodations and travel options, we make it easy for runners to plan their adventures and find the best deals."
Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. For more information on these trail running destinations, visit Agoda's website and find the best deals on Agoda's mobile app.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Explore Asia's Hidden Trails: Agoda's Top Picks for Trail Runners
