Vietnam Teed Off a Bold New Golf Tourism Strategy

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A Vision to Make Vietnam Asia’s Next Golfing Powerhouse

Vietnam made a decisive move to position golf at the heart of its tourism and economic development strategy. Backed by a landmark partnership between the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA) and global sports and entertainment agency 54, the country unveiled a comprehensive plan designed to elevate golf tourism and place Vietnam firmly on the global golfing map.

As of 2025, Vietnam had over 90 operational 18-hole golf courses, with that number projected to reach 200 by 2030. The expansion reflected Vietnam’s growing reputation as a premier golfing destination, combining world-class course design with its spectacular coastal and mountain landscapes.

Golf Tourism Became a Billion-Dollar Industry

According to Vietnam Tourism, golf tourism generated an impressive US$460 million in 2022 and was projected to surpass US$1 billion by 2025. This figure represented around eight to ten percent of the nation’s total tourism revenue, underscoring the growing importance of the sport in driving international visitation and investment.

The surge in golf-related travel not only boosted the hospitality and transport sectors but also stimulated development in local communities, creating jobs and attracting high-value travellers who tended to stay longer and spend more.

Leaders United to Drive Vietnam’s Golf Revolution

Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Golf Association, highlighted the country’s rapid rise in the global golfing arena. She noted that Vietnam had already produced several iconic venues that appeared in global Top 100 course rankings. “Golf in Vietnam has already produced some iconic venues and Top 100 courses, which has given tremendous impetus for future developments,” she said. “The time was right for us to harness this momentum and take things to the next level.”

Jed Moore, Group CEO of 54, echoed this optimism, describing Vietnam as being on an “unmatched trajectory” in terms of growing domestic participation, inbound visitation, and new course development. He confirmed that 54 had joined forces with the VGA to supercharge the nation’s golf growth through a coordinated national strategy covering social, economic, and environmental factors.

Sustainability and Smart Growth Shaped the Future

The new golf tourism strategy was not just about numbers—it focused on sustainability, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. By adopting international best practices in course design, resource management, and local employment, the initiative aimed to ensure that golf’s expansion contributed positively to Vietnam’s long-term development goals.

Golf destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phan Thiet, already home to championship courses, stood at the forefront of this transformation. Their success stories inspired further investment and helped position Vietnam as an emerging global golfing destination rivalling established markets in Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

Vietnam’s Winning Swing in Tourism Development

With its blend of strategic partnerships, ambitious planning, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Vietnam successfully transformed golf from a niche pursuit into a key pillar of its tourism economy. As the number of golfers and international tournaments continued to grow, Vietnam’s fairways became powerful drivers of both economic prosperity and cultural exchange.

Plan Your Golf Getaway in Vietnam

For more information about golfing holidays and tourism experiences in Vietnam, visit www.vietnamtourism.gov.vn.

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