HCM City welcomes six millionth int’l visitor in 2017
Ho Chi Minh City welcomed the six millionth international visitor to the southern economic hub during the year at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on December 15.
The six-millionth foreign visitor is welcomed by Bui Ta Hoang Vu, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, on December 15, 2017 (Photo: Tuoi Tre)
HCM City (VNA) - Ho Chi MinhCity welcomed the six millionth international visitor to the southern economichub during the year at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on December 15.
The sixth international guest is MitchenerDavid William, who was on flight VN780 by the national flag carrier VietnamAirlines from Austria to HCM City.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bui Ta Hoang Vu, head of the HCM City TourismDepartment, affirmed that the event marked a new step and the successful startof the city in developing its tourism, with the growth of more than 1 millioninternational visitors in 2017 compared to last year in 2016.
Vu suggested that in 2018, the departmentand other municipal agencies should continue to maintain and improve thequality of tourism promotional events, such as Nguyen Hue Flower Street 2018,Ao Dai Festival and HCM City Tourism Festival, along with concentrating oncompleting overall planning on tourism development, facilitating implementationof the Law on Tourism 2017 and promoting waterway travel.
The leader of HCM City's tourism sector saidthat in 2018, the city strives to welcome from 7.5 million to 8 millioninternational tourists and an estimated of 29 million domestic visitors.
In 2017, international arrivals to the city areestimated at 6.39 million arrivals, an increase of 22.8 percent from 2016,reaching 110 percent of the set plan. Total tourism revenue is approximately at116 trillion VND, up 12.6 percent over the same period last year and meeting theset plan./.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism has proposed the Government extend its visa exemption policy for international tourists from nine countries to 30 days from 15 days to promote tourism development to help reach the city’s target of 10-11 million international tourists in 2020.
Budget carrier Vietjet Air has secured a cooperation pact with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department in the framework of the city’s 13th International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC).
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.
The six-millionth foreign visitor is welcomed by Bui Ta Hoang Vu, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, on December 15, 2017 (Photo: Tuoi Tre) 
