Steady growth in both domestic and international arrivals helped Ho Chi Minh City generate nearly VND237.5 trillion (US$9.1 billion) in tourism revenue during the first seven months of 2026, completing 72% of its full-year target.

The figures were announced by Nguyen Huu An, deputy head of the Tourism Resources Development Planning Division under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, at a socio-economic press briefing on the afternoon of July 23.

During the first seven months of 2026, the city was estimated to have welcomed more than 38.8 million visitors.

International arrivals exceeded 7.13 million, up 42.7% year-on-year and equivalent to nearly 65% of the full-year target. Domestic tourist arrivals, meanwhile, reached 31.67 million, completing more than 63% of the annual plan.

Total tourism revenue was estimated at VND237.466 trillion (US$9.1 billion), an increase of 55.3% from the same period last year.

The figure puts the city’s tourism industry at 72% of its full-year revenue target of VND330 trillion (US$12.6 billion).

To continue attracting visitors in the remaining months of the year, An said Ho Chi Minh City plans to organize a series of major events, including the 20th International Travel Expo, Tourism Week and an international marathon, while also coordinating programs aimed at stimulating consumer spending.

Tourism promotion will also be intensified in key markets including the US, Australia and Singapore.

Alongside promotional activities, the city is focusing on developing new tourism products and services designed to encourage visitors to stay longer.

Priority offerings include helicopter sightseeing tours, waterway tourism, MICE tourism, medical tourism and nighttime economy services, with the goal of extending visitors’ stays and increasing their spending.

Alongside developing new tourism products, Ho Chi Minh City plans to address infrastructure bottlenecks involving waterway terminals and parking facilities, as well as issues surrounding VAT refund procedures for international visitors.

In the longer term, the city will focus on digital transformation, making tourism services greener and attracting investment into major entertainment and resort complexes.

By 2030, Ho Chi Minh City aims to welcome 18 million international visitors annually and generate VND573 trillion (US$21.9 billion) in tourism revenue.

Tuan Kiet