HCM City calls for travel firms’ cooperation to boost tourism
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong has called for travel companies’ cooperation to attract 7 million foreign tourists to the city in 2017.
Foreign visitors to Ben Thanh Market in HCM City (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh CityPeople’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong has called for travel companies’cooperation to attract 7 million foreign tourists to the city in 2017.
At a meeting with tourism firms on April 13, hesaid the city’s tourism development is partly driven by travel businesses andaccommodation providers.
He pledged the best possible conditions fortheir operations to turn tourism into a spearhead industry.
This year, HCM City will upgrade museums andentertainment centres, accelerate the construction of a safari park in Cu Chidistrict and develop sea tourism in Can Gio district to attract visitors andencourage their spending. It has also devised a human resources developmentprogramme for tourism.
Phong asked the municipal Tourism Department todesign a tourism development strategy until 2030 and beyond, or else theindustry won’t develop fully. The city’s leaders are ready to invite foreignexperts and organisations to assist in outlining this strategy.
At the meeting, representatives of many travelcompanies and hotels gave opinions on tourism products along with various typesof tourism. They also pointed out obstacles facing businesses in the industry.
HCM City welcomed about 5.2 million foreigntourists in 2016, a year-on-year increase of 10 percent.
By the end of 2017’s first quarter, there were more than1,170 travel companies in the city, including 575 foreign ones, mostly indistricts 1, 3 and Phu Nhuan.-VNA
A wide variety of exciting cultural, sports, fashion and cuisine events will be planned annually in HCM City to attract more tourists, city leaders have said.
New York, famously known as the “city that never sleeps,” will soon be joined by Ho Chi Minh City, which is aspiring to that status in an effort to step up its tourism game.
The freshly-ended Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2017 attracted about 350,000 visitors, a rise of 20 percent over the previous year, according to the organising board.
An exhibition hall featuring more than 100 life-size statues of Vietnamese artists working in theatre, movie and music was opened in Ho Chi Minh City on April 11.
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.
Foreign visitors to Ben Thanh Market in HCM City (Photo: VNA) 
