Ho Chi Minh City Aims for 61 Million Tourists by 2026
After a record-breaking 2025, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has set forth an ambitious tourism strategy. The city aims to attract 61 million visitors in 2026, with a projected revenue goal of 330 trillion VND ($12.5 billion USD). This bold move places Vietnam’s southern hub in a strong position within Southeast Asia’s competitive tourism market.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, Nguyen Van Dung, emphasized that these targets reflect the “great determination” within the business community. The aim is to transform HCMC from a bustling gateway into a sophisticated, high-value global destination. The city’s 2026 strategy focuses on a “quality over quantity” approach. This approach includes leveraging a Smart Tourism Ecosystem with AI-driven travel planning and contactless services across metro lines and hotels.
Environmental sustainability is a key component of this initiative. HCMC is prioritizing “Green” tourism initiatives to ensure that rapid growth doesn’t compromise cultural or environmental heritage. The city is also implementing a “one locality, one tourism product” model. This model ensures that each district offers unique signature experiences. These range from the culinary delights of District 5’s Chinatown to modern entertainment hubs in District 7. The strategy emphasizes regional linkages, positioning HCMC as a launching pad for exploring the Mekong Delta and Southeastern regions. This makes it a must-visit destination rather than just a stopover.
Source: Travel and Tour World