Transforming Ho Chi Minh city into a smart tourism hub
Not only maintaining
its position as the "leading tourism hub of the South". Ho Chi Minh City is
gradually positioning itself as a dynamic destination with rich, multi-layered
experiences, attracting both international and domestic tourists in the new
normal context of the tourism industry after the administrative boundary merger.
With a series of new tourism products, continuous promotional programs, and a
long-term development strategy, Ho Chi Minh City's tourism is expanding its
development space while contributing to boosting the city's socio-economic
growth.
Tourism in Ho Chi Minh City is experiencing impressive growth
In 2025, Ho Chi Minh City's tourism sector continued its positive growth
momentum with 8.56 million international visitors and approximately 45.6 million
domestic visitors. Total tourism revenue is estimated at 279,000 billion VND,
accounting for nearly one-third of the city's total revenue and achieving 101%
of the set plan. Based on these results, in 2026, Ho Chi Minh City's tourism
industry aims to reach 11 million international visitors and 50 million domestic
visitors.
These figures not only clearly demonstrate the strong recovery of Ho Chi Minh
City's tourism industry after years of being severely affected by the COVID-19
pandemic, but also show the increasing attractiveness of this destination on the
international tourism map.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, in the process of
implementing the development orientation of Ho Chi Minh City to become a leading
financial, commercial, service, and tourism center in Southeast Asia, expanding
urban development space associated with improving the quality of infrastructure,
tourism services, and building a smart tourism ecosystem is identified as one of
the key tasks, contributing to ensuring sustainable growth and enhancing the
competitiveness of the destination.
Ho Chi Minh City is not only recovering in terms of tourist numbers but is also
actively innovating its tourism products and experiences. The tourism products
being promoted include: MICE tourism (meetings, incentives, conferences, and
exhibitions), leveraging the advantages of modern infrastructure and event
centers; historical site tourism; waterway tourism on the Saigon River,
connecting unique waterway routes; agricultural and community tourism in
surrounding areas such as Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Can Gio, and Long Son; night tourism;
medical tourism; and culinary tourism… attracting both domestic and
international tourists.
Notably, Ho Chi Minh City also focuses on developing inter-regional tourism
routes with prominent destinations from neighboring localities after the merger
(such as Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Duong), creating a complete chain of
experiences from dynamic urban areas to seaside resorts, green rural areas, and
diverse ecosystems. According to the strategic direction of the tourism
industry, this will be a competitive advantage in attracting international
tourists in the new phase.
Speaking at the recent seminar "Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Development Space -
Driving Force from Service Chain Linkages and Customer Experiences," Mr. Pham
Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, affirmed that
Ho Chi Minh City's tourism is rapidly transforming towards quality,
sustainability, and multi-dimensional experiences. "We are not only focusing on
the number of tourists but also on improving services, expanding into new
markets, especially in Asia and Europe, aiming to make Ho Chi Minh City a
leading destination in the region".
As Ho Chi Minh City enters a new phase of development, the city recognizes that
tourism is not just a single economic sector, but an experiential ecosystem. By
2030, the city aims to become a smart tourism city, where local cultural
identity is preserved and disseminated through the power of modern technology.
As Ho Chi Minh City becomes a large-scale integrated urban area, its tourism
space expands, resources become richer, and opportunities for cooperation become
more diverse. However, this also demands a broader vision and closer
coordination. Therefore, the city's tourism industry is entering a new phase
with a determination to develop products that reflect its unique identity,
pioneer in digital transformation, and especially to build a professional
culture - tourism ethics - and hospitality as core values.
Long-term strategy for continued breakthroughs in tourism
Not content with its current achievements, Ho Chi Minh City's tourism industry
has set a target for further expansion in 2026, aiming to welcome 61 million
visitors, including 11 million international tourists and 50 million domestic
tourists. Total tourism revenue is projected to reach 330,000 billion VND,
affirming its role as the leading tourism hub in the country. To achieve this
goal, the city is revising its tourism development plan until 2030,
repositioning its vision, products, and tourism brand based on big data and the
application of artificial intelligence in its operations.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism is also working closely with domestic
and international partners to develop unique tourism products that reflect the
cultural and historical heritage of Southern Vietnam, while simultaneously
connecting and developing a cross-regional tourism ecosystem.
Doan Thi Thanh Tra, Deputy General Director of Saigon Travel Service Company,
commented that Ho Chi Minh City, upon expansion, should not only become a center
for accommodation but also develop into a "super multi-experience tourism city."
Accordingly, it is necessary to focus on unique products such as: combining
urban culture - river tourism - beach resorts - traditional craft village
experiences - eco-tourism in suburban areas; investing in the development of
night-time tourism, food courts - night markets - performing arts, to attract
spending from international tourists; focusing on river tourism and the "one
city - two airports" product, leveraging aviation infrastructure to increase
international tourist traffic…
According to Tra, one of the decisive factors for tourism to become a key
economic sector is the application of technology and big data. Ho Chi Minh City
needs to implement a smart tourism ecosystem integrating multiple platforms,
including digital maps, service reviews, customer feedback, and online payment,
ticketing, and promotion systems.
The reorientation of tourism development in Ho Chi Minh City, in the context of
administrative boundary expansion, is a turning point for the city to make a
strong breakthrough in this key service sector. With steadily increasing visitor
numbers, diverse tourism products, and continuously improving management
capacity, Ho Chi Minh City is asserting its position not only domestically but
also on the international tourism map.
With a clear strategic vision and close coordination between management
agencies, businesses, and the community, tourism in Ho Chi Minh City is
projected to continue to be one of the important drivers of socio-economic
growth in the city in the new era.
Saigon Tour - Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam's vibrant metropolis, offers a blend of historic landmarks, bustling
markets, and vibrant street life. Visitors can explore the War Remnants Museum,
enjoy delicious street food, and experience the dynamic culture. The city’s
energetic atmosphere and rich history make it a captivating travel destination.
