Ho Chi Minh City Welcomes Six Million Foreign Tourists in 2024, Surpassing Tourism Goals

Miss Cosmo 2024 beauties tour around

major attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling financial heart and the country's largest metropolis, has achieved a remarkable tourism milestone in 2024, welcoming approximately six million foreign visitors in the first 11 months of the year. This represents a 20% year-on-year increase and successfully meets the city's annual tourism target. In addition to international arrivals, the city also saw a healthy rise in domestic tourism, with 38 million local travelers exploring Ho Chi Minh City, marking an 8.6% increase compared to the previous year.

A Thriving Tourism Hub

The surge in visitor numbers reflects the city's ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism offerings and strengthen its position as a leading destination in Southeast Asia. A combination of engaging cultural festivals, new tourism products, and targeted international promotion campaigns have contributed to this impressive growth.

Among the standout initiatives was the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, held in early June, which highlighted the city's beautiful waterways and offered visitors a unique perspective of the city. Additionally, the introduction of 17 new waterway tourism products has provided travelers with exciting options for exploring the city via its network of rivers and canals, further diversifying the tourism experience.

Festivals and Tourism Promotions Drive Growth

The city's tourism calendar has been packed with events aimed at attracting both local and international visitors. In April, the city launched the Ho Chi Minh City Stimulus Programme 2024, which was designed to boost both tourism and local businesses. This was followed by the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC) 2024 in September, one of the region’s most important trade events for the tourism industry, which attracted industry professionals and tourism operators from around the world.

Ho Chi Minh City has also been actively promoting itself abroad through a series of tourism marketing initiatives. At the IMEX Frankfurt 2024 in Germany, the city showcased its diverse travel offerings to an international audience. Additionally, the HCM City Days event in Osaka, Japan, served as a platform to introduce Ho Chi Minh City to Japanese tourists, further expanding its reach in key international markets.

Looking Ahead: December Tourism Events

As 2024 draws to a close, Ho Chi Minh City is gearing up for more exciting events to round off the year. The city’s Department of Tourism is working closely with local authorities to organize the fourth Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week, which will run from December 1 to 8. The event will feature a series of cultural, culinary, and entertainment activities aimed at drawing even more visitors to the city during the festive season.

Additionally, the seventh Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon, scheduled for December 8, will attract athletes from around the world to compete in one of the most prestigious marathon events in Southeast Asia. These events are expected to further boost the city's tourism and create a lasting impact on its global reputation.

A Strong Tourism Future

The continued growth of tourism in Ho Chi Minh City is a testament to its status as a major global destination. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern attractions, the city is well on its way to becoming one of Asia’s leading tourism hubs. The combination of government support, innovative tourism initiatives, and active international promotion ensures that Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector will continue to thrive in the years ahead.

For the remainder of 2024, the city will continue to leverage its diverse tourism offerings to attract more visitors, while also focusing on sustainability and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Tags: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tourism, Foreign Tourists, Waterway Tourism, ITE HCMC, International Visitors