HCM City People’s Committee recently issues a plan for the development of waterway tourism products in the 2023-2025 period with an aim to attract more tourists (Photo: sggp.org.vn)
HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City led the nationin terms of revenue from tourism in the first half of 2023, with 80.8trillion VND (3.39 billion USD).
The figure represents a year-on-year rise of 62.7%, and isequivalent to 50.5% of the yearly target.
According to the municipal Department of Tourism, in theJanuary-June period, the country's biggest metropolis served over 1.9 million foreign tourists, up 306%year-on-year, but equal to only 38.8% of the yearly target.
The city is organising a wide range of activities, with an aimto attract more tourists, especially foreigners, to increase the revenue.
Foreign tourists take a tour around HCM City (Photo: VNA)
Notably, in early August, a river festival was held in the city for the first time, with a series of cultural and entertainmentactivities related to its waterways for locals and tourists.
The three-day festival aimed at preserving andpromoting the city’s culture and history, and make use of its waterways toboost the economy and tourism in order to build the city’s brand as aculturally rich riverside urban area.
Recently, the municipal People’s Committee also issued aplan for the development of waterway tourism products in the 2023-2025 period. By 2025, it aims to develop at least 10 waterway tours andwaterway tour programmes linking seaports and river routes.
The number of international cruise ship tourists arriving inthe city will be 100,000 in 2023 and 2024, and rise 12-15% in the followingyears.
In the 2023-24 period, the city’s cruise industry isexpected to hit 500 billion VND (21 million USD) per year in revenue, andincrease by 12% in the following years./.
A culture and tourism week of Vietnam’s northwestern region and Ho Chi Minh City is scheduled to take place for the first time in the Lao province of Luang Prabang from October 25 to 27.
To welcome its first direct route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Perth, Vietjet is offering tickets from only 0 VND (excluding taxes, fees) for all flights from/ to Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne of Australia.
Ho Chi Minh City’s waterway tourism is expected to earn 300 billion VND (12.6 million USD) per year this year and next year, and increase 10% in the following years.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
HCM City People’s Committee recently issues a plan for the development of waterway tourism products in the 2023-2025 period with an aim to attract more tourists (Photo: sggp.org.vn) 
Foreign tourists take a tour around HCM City (Photo: VNA) 
