HCM City steps up communications to promote tourism
Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Tourism on March 3 announced a draft communications plan to promote a vibrant southern destination on domestic and international media platforms this year.
HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City's Department ofTourism on March 3 announced a draft communications plan to promote a vibrant southern destination on domestic and international media platforms this year.
Accordingly, with a highlight on the theme of Vibrant Ho ChiMinh City, the plan is expected to popularise localdestinations, people, cultural identities, products, and cuisine, targeting domesticand foreign visitors. It features the production of television commercials and under-60-second films about local destinations and tourism products; the appointment of a tourismambassador; and advertisements on international media channels.
Regarding the city’s welcoming of foreign tourists, directorof the department Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa said a number of solutions have been preparedfor the implementation of specific programmes in line with the Government’stourism reopening direction in the coming time.
Earlier, the department accompanied many firms in exploiting local waterway routes. It plans to conduct surveys and operate helicopter toursand a high-speed boat service to Con Dao island.
Currently, the city has 34 hotels with 6,800 rooms meeting requirements of the pilot plan on welcoming international touriststhis year. There are five local businesses – Saigontourist, Vinasun Travel, HaiVan Cat Travel, TSTourist and Blue Sky Travel – allowed to offer tour packagesto foreign visitors.
At the event, representatives of many travel companies said, to attract international tourists, the top issue that needs to be solved is related to entry-exit procedures.
Bui The Duy, Director of Lua Viet Tours Limited Company,suggested the city's tourism sector widely disseminate information about procedures and regulations for international visitors to Vietnam as well as implementimmigration procedures using online channels./.
Nine tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City have recently been allowed to welcome international visitors under a pilot program, according to the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Ho Chi Minh City’s total retail sales of goods and revenues from services exceeded 89.09 trillion VND (3.9 billion USD) in February, up 0.4 percent against the previous month and 0.9 percent from the same period last year.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
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.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
