HCM City expects to welcome more foreign visitors later this year

The number of foreign arrivals to Ho Chi Minh City is likely to rise by 20-25% compared to the same period last year based on tours which have been booked for the latter months of the year, according to travel operators in the city.

A representative from Fiditour said that markets will see an increase in visitors from the EU, Australia, the US and China while a representative from Vietravel said they are predicting a year on year rise in visitor numbers from China and Southeast Asia.

Bui Ta Hoang Vu, Director of HCM City Department of Tourism, said the City plans to launch a string of events and festivals to promote its charming beauty and attract more visitors for the remaining months of this year, such as Nghing Ong Festival and the International Marathon.

According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnam welcomed more than 9.4 million foreign tourists during the first nine months of this year, up 28.4% against last year's corresponding period.