HCM City (VNA) 🎉– Ho Chi Minh City’s TourismDepartment is launching plans to attract more visitors from India, which isconsidered a market of great potential.
At the May meeting on socio-economic issues of the municipalPeople’s Committee on May 30, Director of the department Bui Ta Hoang Vu saidhis agency is working with several airlines to promote Vietnam to India. Henoted that while 1.6 million Indians travelled to Thailand in 2017, only170,000 visited Vietnam. The low-cost airline Vietjet Air is scheduled to open directflights between HCM City and India this September. The Tourism Department has developed products designed forthis market and held some tourism promotion activities in the country. Vu added that the department has also asked localrestaurants to design dishes specifically for Indian guests. It was reported at the meeting that an estimated 566,390foreign tourists arrived in the city in May, up 37 percent year on year. Revenuesfrom tourism came to around 9.3 trillion VND (over 406 million USD), up 3.03percent. For the January-May period, the total number of foreignarrivals was 3.18 million, a 32 percent increase, while tourism revenues wereestimated at 51.65 trillion VND, up 14.8 percent. A recent survey jointly conducted by the Tourism Departmentand the municipal Statistics Office showed tourists both domestic and foreignstay for an average 5 days in the city and spend around 145 USD a day, whichshowed a reduction in stay duration compared to a survey of the Vietnam NationalTourism Administration in 2013 but the spending stays the same. Chairman of the People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phongstressed that tourism has been defined as a spearhead economic sector of thecity. He urged the sector to study ways to keep visitors stay longer.-VNA
Ho Chi Minh City introduced the best of its tourism products and services at South Asia’s biggest tourism event - the International Travel and Tourism Trade Show (SATTE 2018) that was recently held in India’s capital of New Delhi.
More than 70,000 domestic and foreign tour vouchers are available at discounts of up to 50 percent at the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Fair which opened at 23/9 Park on April 12.
Social platforms are effective channels where online tourism firms interact with potential customers, and the travel industry must transform to keep pace with technological changes, experts have said.
The HCM City Tourism Association has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on further extension of visa exemption for tourists coming from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
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.
A corner of HCM City (Photo: VNA) 
