In this paper, the measured results of spectroscopic properties for Tm, Ho co-doped YVO4 crystals are reported. The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and calculated spectroscopic parameters are given. The processes of sensitized luminescence of Ho3+ by Tm3+ with 805 nm LD pumping were investigated. It was found that Tm3+ ion in YVO4 has a larger uniform absorption width (～26 nm) and a larger peak and integreted cross-section of absorption at 800nm (～1.4×10-20 cm2 and 246×10-20 cm) than that in YAG and YLF. The high energy transfer efficiency from Tm3+ to Ho3+ (up to 87%) and low pumping threshold (15 mW) show that Tm3+ can efficiently sensitize Ho3+ in YVO4 crystal. The dependence of ～2 μm emission for Ho3+ on the Tm, Ho doping concentrations was preliminarily analyzed and discussed.