HCM City boosts tourism promotion to lure travelers
Ho Chi Minh City's tourism industry has recorded positive signs as many international travelers have chosen the metropolis as part of their journeys in early 2024.
International travelers in HCM City. (photo: thanhnien.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) - Ho Chi Minh City's tourism industry has recorded positive signs as many international travelers have chosen the metropolis as part of their journeys in early 2024.
The southern hub served 75,000 foreign visitors during the recent Lunar New Year (Tet), up 15.4% compared to the same period last year, according to statistics from the municipal Department of Tourism.
To achieve the goal of welcoming 6 million international visitors in 2024, the city’s tourism sector is stepping up promotion activities abroad, focusing on key markets.
Tourism businesses in HCM City predicted that Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, India, and the Middle East will be potential markets in 2024, and have deployed plans to welcome a wave of international visitors this year.
Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, Marketing Director of Vietravel, said that strengthening the promotion of Vietnamese tourism in target markets is one of the plans implemented by the business in 2024 to attract international visitors, apart from diversifying tourism products.
In addition to cooperating with large travel partners with a stable source of tourists in potential markets, Vietravel has also expanded cooperation with reputable partners in key markets to promote the image of Vietnam’s tourism, Khanh said.
It has also accelerated digital transformation to develop multi-channel online sales to retail customers, towards increasing the number of young international tourists.
The municipal Department of Tourism will implement six tourism promotion programmes abroad in 2024, focusing in key markets such as the US, the UK, Germany, Singapore, and Australia, to support tourism businesses connect with foreign partners./.
The northern coastal province of Quang Ninh served 170,000 visitors during the New Year holiday (December 30, 2023 – January 1, 2024), up 60% year-on-year, the provincial Department of Tourism has reported.
The number of foreign arrivals to Vietnam in the first month of 2024 reached over 1.5 million, the highest ever recorded for a month since the country fully reopened all tourism activities in March 2022, according to Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).
Ho Chi Minh City contributed significantly to the more-fruitful-than-expected results of Vietnam’s tourism industry last year, solidifying its pivotal role in the recovery and growth of the sector.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
International travelers in HCM City. (photo: thanhnien.vn) 
