PART 1: INTRODUCTION This guidance provides general information only Over the past years the tourism and travel sector and is not intended to constitute legal advice. has substantially increased its contribution to Organisations or individuals should seek their Vietnam’s GDP from 6% in 2013 to 7.9% in 2017.5 own legal advice if they have concerns regarding their compliance with domestic legislation or international standards. Any case studies or examples are included for educational purposes and do not constitute an endorsement of the company or organisation mentioned. Given this contribution, and the relationship with other sectors such as retail and hospitality, the sector has been prioritised by the Government of Vietnam as a key driver of economic growth and socio-economic development.6 Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism This guidance is produced in Vietnamese and sector’s contribution to gross domestic product English. (GDP) had been growing annually, reaching a 9.2% share of direct GDP in 2019.7 In 2019, the 3. The tourism industry in Vietnam According to the World Bank, Vietnam is ‘one of the most dynamic emerging countries in East Asia region’.4 10 | sector’s contribution to employment in Vietnam was 2.55 million jobs.8