The milestone visitor was Maria Del Mar Piñas Piñas from Spain, who is leading a group of 19 travelers on a 16-day tour of Vietnam. The group departed from Madrid, transited through Doha, and arrived at Noi Bai International Airport on Tuesday afternoon.

Upon arrival, they were welcomed with flowers and souvenir gifts by representatives of the Hanoi Department of Tourism and other agencies, creating a warm first impression of the Vietnamese capital. After exploring Hanoi, the group will continue their journey to popular destinations including Sa Pa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said: Welcoming the five millionth international visitor, who comes from Spain, on July 7th was a joyful milestone for the capital. The event reflects Hanoi's warm hospitality and expressed hope that visitors who begin their journey in Hanoi will enjoy memorable experiences throughout Vietnam. We hope that visitors will return to Vietnam in the future.

In the first half of 2026, Hanoi welcomed more than 18 million visitors, up nearly 16 percent year-on-year. International arrivals surged by almost 27 percent, underscoring the capital's growing appeal as a leading destination in the region and globally.