Abstract

This article examines the Communist Party of Vietnam’s guidelines for tourism development set out in the documents of the 12th (2016), 13th (2021) and 14th (2026) National Congresses and in the Central Committee and Politburo resolutions that elaborated on these documents during each term. Using historical and logical approaches, document analysis and comparison, the study clarifies the foundations, content and evolution of these guidelines. The findings indicate that the 12th Congress first called for policies to develop tourism into a leading economic sector. Politburo Resolution No. 08-NQ/TW (2017) subsequently developed this directive into a comprehensive framework of principles, objectives and measures. The 13th Congress affirmed that tourism had largely become a leading economic sector, established quantitative targets for 2030 and linked tourism development to culture, digital transformation, the marine economy and regional spatial development. The 14th Congress positioned tourism within a new growth model for an era of national advancement, while Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW (2026) further specified the need to shift from quantity to quality. The analysis identifies four features of this evolution: consistent objectives accompanied by increasingly demanding requirements; a broader scope encompassing cross- sectoral and interregional linkages; a shift in the actors driving tourism development from the state to enterprises and communities; and an increasingly systematic and forward-looking approach to formulating guidelines. The article also identifies issues concerning implementation during the 2026–2030 period.

Keywords: 12th National Congress, 13th National Congress, 14th National Congress, Communist Party of Vietnam, Leading economic sector, Tourism development guidelines.