Vietnam's two largest cities witness surge in foreign visitors

Domestic tourists to HCMC numbered over 30.9 million, up by 1.3%, contributing to total tourism revenue of VND156.65 trillion (US$6.2 billion), marking an 11.9% year-on-year increase, the municipal Department of Tourism announced.

The department is currently developing preferential policies aimed at attracting international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups to hold events in the southern largest economic hub. It has reached out to relevant stakeholders to gather opinions for a draft report assessing the impact of MICE tourism policies.

In terms of tourism development partnerships, the department has launched a collaborative tourism initiative with 13 Mekong Delta provinces and cities, highlighting 126 local attractions through a new voting platform.

Additionally, a tourism development cooperation plan with the southeastern region has been issued, and discussions are ongoing with the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Department of Tourism to promote eco-friendly, sustainable travel routes that attract international visitors.

Hanoi lured over 5.1 million tourists between January and October, an increase of 28.5% over the same period last year. Of the total, over 3.5 million were foreigners, including 416,600 from South Korea, 407,000 from China, 221,400 from the U.S. and 215,500 from Japan.

Dang Huong Giang, director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said that the city is taking measures to promote its tourism. Travel agencies and hotels are offering many attractive stimulus programmes to attract tourists, especially during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Vietnam welcomed 1.42 million foreign visitors in October, marking a 27.6% increase year-on-year, bringing the total to 14.1 million for 2024.