HCMC tourism revenues highest in 5 years

The figure rose by 22% against the previous year and 25% against pre-pandemic times in 2019, according to a report from the municipal Department of Tourism.

Le Truong Hien Hoa, deputy director of the department, said the strong growth in revenues was thanks to the launch of diverse tourism products and investment in the night-time economy.

The city recently launched a night tour that allows foreign tourists to experience culture, art, sightseeing, entertainment activities, night shopping, culinary culture, and healthcare services in District 1, such as Saigon Opera House, Ben Thanh Market, and HCMC Museum of Fine Arts.

Last week, it debuted a night sight-seeing double-decker bus tour that operates from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day through iconic destinations across the city.

HCMC has received 5 million foreign arrivals so far this year, up 44% from the previous year and accounting for half of the country’s total international visitors.

Before the pandemic, HCMC received 10 million foreign visitors.

On the two upcoming major holidays, New Year and Lunar New Year, the city expects to achieve about VND15 trillion in tourism revenues.

On average, revenues from these two occasions often account for about 8-9% of the yearly target.

"Since the beginning of December this year, many large hotels in the downtown area have been fully booked," Hoa said.

Hanoi has welcomed 4 million foreign tourists so far this year, an impressive 266% year-on-year growth.

Its total tourism revenue was estimated at VND87.65 trillion, a 45.5% pickup from the previous year but lower than the VND103 trillion figure in 2019.