HCM City receives over 5.2 million foreign visitors in 2016
More than 5.2 million foreign tourists visited Ho Chi Minh City in 2016, a rise of 10 percent against last year, said the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
HCM City (VNA)𓂃 – More than 5.2 million foreign tourists visited Ho Chi Minh City in2016, a rise of 10 percent against last year, said the Vietnam NationalAdministration of Tourism.
Meanwhile, thenumber of domestic visitors reached 21.8 million. Gross income of the City’stourism hit 103 trillion VND (4.5 billion USD), increasing 9 percentyear-on-year. HCM City currentlyhas nearly 2,200 accommodation establishments and 1,314 travel agencies(including 647 international travel ones and nine representative offices offoreign travel companies).
The City aims to greet 5.5 million foreign visitors and24 million domestic tourists in 2017 and rake in a total tourism income of 112trillion VND (4.9 billion USD).
In 2015, it received 4.6 million foreign visitors and19.3 million domestic tourists, up 4.6 and 13 percent year-on-year,respectively.
Tourism inspectors in Ho Chi Minh City have fined more than 130 travel and hospitality firms a total of 2 billion VND (89,300 USD) for various violations, according to the city Department of Tourism.
Vietnam welcomed about 6.5 million foreign visitors in the first eight months of this year, a year on year increase of 25.4 percent, according to the National Administration of Tourism.
Vietnam’s southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City welcomed more than 3.61 million foreign visitors in the first nine months of this year, a year-on-year rise of 13 percent.
The number of foreign arrivals to Viet Nam was estimated at over nine million by the end of November this year. The figure was released by the General Statistics Office.
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.
An image of Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA) 
