HCM City is Becoming a Leading Destination for Digital and Green Tourism, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 10, 2025

HCM City’s Department of Tourism is taking major steps to integrate digital tools into its tourism strategy. Recently, the department signed a significant cooperation agreement with Grab Vietnam to strengthen the city’s tourism promotion efforts. The partnership aims to utilize digital platforms to enhance destination visibility and create a more seamless travel experience for tourists. By collaborating with Grab, HCM City is looking to provide a secure and convenient way for visitors to access services, including transportation and tourist information, through a single digital interface.

This collaboration is part of a larger effort to promote digital tourism, allowing visitors to access information, book services, and discover attractions at their fingertips. As part of the agreement, Grab and the Department of Tourism aim to foster a more dynamic and attractive tourism environment, infusing the industry with new energy and innovative solutions to meet the needs of modern travelers.

Promoting Local Attractions Through Digital Channels

In addition to the Grab partnership, the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Centre has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Conservation Support Fund and TikTok Vietnam. This new initiative aims to promote the city’s diverse localities—168 wards, communes, and special zones—by creating digital content through TikTok.

Each locality will have its own TikTok account, showcasing its unique culture, history, cuisine, and attractions. This approach creates 168 distinct digital narratives, allowing tourists to explore the multifaceted nature of the city. By providing a platform for local content creators, the campaign emphasizes the importance of community engagement and aims to bring local stories to a global audience. Visitors can now experience HCM City’s rich cultural tapestry and vibrant urban life through engaging videos, helping to foster a stronger connection between travelers and the city’s diverse districts.

Strengthening Collaboration Between Authorities and Businesses

To maximize the potential of digital tourism, the city’s leaders are emphasizing stronger collaboration between government agencies, local businesses, and tourism operators. Nguyen Cam Tu, Director of the HCM City Tourism Promotion Centre, highlighted the importance of working together to develop high-quality tourism products and enhance the overall destination appeal.

Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, stressed the need for improved coordination across local agencies and businesses to better the quality of tourism services. He also emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable and safe tourism environment. The city’s tourism strategy aims to provide visitors with faster access to information, improve service quality, and offer new products that cater to the diverse needs of travelers.

This approach aligns with HCM City’s broader goal of developing a friendly, green, and sustainable tourism sector. By fostering strong connections between authorities, businesses, and local communities, the city hopes to create a thriving tourism ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.

Creating Distinct Local Tourism Products

Another key component of HCM City’s tourism strategy is the “one locality, one tourism product” model, which is already in action across 22 localities. This initiative aims to provide each district, ward, or commune with a signature tourism product that reflects its unique character and heritage. This model is intended to help extend tourism development across all 168 areas of the city, turning each one into a distinct destination with its own special appeal.

This initiative supports local economies by encouraging tourism development that is rooted in local culture and resources. It allows each district to shine on its own, promoting local crafts, cuisine, and attractions that might otherwise be overshadowed by more well-known destinations. The model is seen as a way to ensure that tourism benefits are more evenly distributed across the city, enhancing the appeal of areas beyond the city center.

Digital and Green Tourism: The Future of HCM City

The focus on digital and green tourism is a critical part of HCM City’s vision for the future. As part of its green tourism strategy, the city is investing in sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental impact while promoting responsible travel. This includes encouraging eco-friendly accommodations, promoting public transportation, and creating digital solutions that make travel more sustainable.

Nguyen Thanh Luu, General Director of Saigontourist, highlighted that the city is working towards building a connected intra-regional tourism network from 2025 to 2030. This network will serve not only the city’s 14 million residents but also attract more domestic and international visitors. By focusing on the digitalization of services and creating sustainable tourism products, HCM City is positioning itself as a forward-thinking destination that caters to the needs of modern travelers.

The city’s efforts are already yielding results. Agoda’s online travel data from September to November 2025 shows a 30% increase in family travel to Vietnam, with HCM City ranking as the fourth most popular destination for its rich culinary scene, modern entertainment options, and proximity to day trips to the Mekong Delta.

HCM City as an Attractive Destination for Digital and Green Tourism

HCM City is rapidly becoming a top destination for travelers who are seeking digital and sustainable tourism experiences. The city’s combination of modern amenities, cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainability make it an attractive option for both domestic and international tourists. As the city continues to roll out digital initiatives and strengthen its tourism infrastructure, it is well-positioned to enhance its reputation as a leading tourism hub in Southeast Asia.

HCM City’s Digital Transformation Is Key to Tourism Growth

As HCM City gears up its digital tourism efforts, it is definitely well on course to emerge as a leading contributor in the global tourism market. With the aim of providing tourists with hassle-free, immersive, and responsible travel, the city is establishing an environment that recognizes technology, encourages local culture, and focuses on sustainability. By integrating digital platforms and placing high importance on green tourism, HCM City is setting the stage for new-era tourism that will attract visitors for years to come.