Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Smashes Records With 45% Growth, Reaching VND 22 Trillion In Tourism Revenue, Driven By MICE Expansion In July 2025

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Vietnam’s touristic sector in Ho Chi Minh City has reached a milestone when its revenue surge recorded 45% to VND 22 trillion in July, 2025. This surge is particularly impressive given its source is heavily attributed to the city’s push to be a key MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) player within Southeast Asia. The unification between its two tourism entities has also driven the sector faster, putting itself in a solid position for both corporate and leisure. MICE profile An increasing number of high-profile conferences and events has seen the city welcomed a large cross section of visitors from around the world, reaffirming its place in the worldwide tourism market.

Ho Chi Minh City has seen a significant rise in tourism revenue, fueled by a merger within its tourism sector. In July, the city reported a remarkable 45% growth in tourism revenue, reaching VND 22,000 billion. This achievement underscores the city’s ambition to establish itself as a leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism hub in Southeast Asia. With the merger, the city’s tourism sector is gaining significant momentum, aligning with its broader vision of becoming a dominant player in the regional tourism landscape.

Impressive Growth in Tourism Revenue

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism reported that the total tourism revenue for July exceeded VND 22,000 billion, marking a 45% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In the first seven months of 2025, total revenue is estimated to surpass VND 140,000 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 30%. This growth has already contributed to more than 54% of the city’s annual revenue target, highlighting the effectiveness of the current strategies and the potential for even further growth.

Surge in Visitor Numbers

The growth in tourism revenue is matched by an impressive increase in the number of visitors. In July 2025, the city welcomed nearly 700,000 international visitors, a 75% rise from the previous year. Domestic tourism has also been on the rise, with approximately 3.4 million local visitors in July, reflecting a 15% increase. Since the beginning of 2025, over 26 million tourists have visited the city, including more than 4.5 million international arrivals. This surge in both international and domestic visitors demonstrates Ho Chi Minh City’s growing appeal to travelers worldwide.

Expanding Tourism Offerings and Attractions

Ho Chi Minh City is committed to diversifying its tourism offerings to attract a wider range of visitors. In the first phase of tourism development, the city is focusing on high-potential products that can be quickly deployed. These include sea and island tourism routes such as those to Ho Tram, Long Hai, and Con Dao, as well as eco-tourism experiences such as fruit garden tours and visits to craft villages along the Saigon-Binh Duong river. The integration of MICE activities with luxury resorts is also proving successful in attracting both business and leisure tourists, creating an ideal environment for diverse tourist segments.

Infrastructure Improvements Fueling Growth

A key factor driving the city’s tourism growth is its enhanced inter-regional transport infrastructure. The development of expressways, beltways, and the Long Thanh airport project is opening up new tourism possibilities within a 1-2 hour radius. These improvements not only make travel more convenient for tourists but also increase spending in the city and extend accommodation options. The city’s tourism sector is supported by more than 7,200 businesses and over 9,500 tour guides, ensuring readiness to meet the rising demand for innovative and diverse travel experiences.

A Forward-Looking Strategy for Sustainable Growth

Looking ahead, Ho Chi Minh City is focused on ensuring the sustainable success of its tourism industry. The city is revising its tourism development strategy for 2030, which includes refining existing tourism products, expanding into new markets, and improving promotion channels to match the growing demand and expanded tourism landscape following the merger. The city aims to bolster its reputation as a destination that caters to both local and international tourists, ensuring high-quality experiences across all market segments.

Digital Transformation in Ho Chi Minh City’s Tourism Sector

In alignment with global tourism trends, Ho Chi Minh City is embracing digital technology to enhance its tourism infrastructure. The city has introduced platforms like the Digital Citizen application and MultiGo, which centralize accommodation data, provide real-time support for tourists, and enhance the overall travel experience. Additionally, the Smart Tourism Project is advancing the digitalization of the tourism ecosystem, ensuring a seamless and synchronized experience for tourists. These technological advancements are central to improving the convenience and accessibility of tourism services in the city.

Targeting Greater Milestones in 2025

With 2025 on the horizon, Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector is setting ambitious goals. The city is setting its sights on attracting 8.5 to 10 million international tourists, with an ambitious goal of generating VND 260,000 billion in tourism revenue. These objectives will help solidify Ho Chi Minh City’s standing as a top tourism destination, not just in Vietnam, but in Southeast Asia. To achieve these goals, the city is committed to continuing infrastructure development, refining its tourism offerings, and enhancing digital integration to ensure it remains competitive in the global tourism market.

Establishing Ho Chi Minh City as a Leading Tourism Hub in the Region

Ho Chi Minh City’s growing appeal as a tourism hub is not only contributing to its economic development but also strengthening its position as a key player in Southeast Asia’s tourism industry. The city’s focus on diversifying tourism products, improving infrastructure, and leveraging technological innovations is setting the stage for even greater growth in the coming years. With its unique blend of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and forward-thinking strategies, Ho Chi Minh City is on track to become a leading global tourism destination.

A Promising Outlook for the Future of Ho Chi Minh City’s Tourism Sector

As the city’s tourism sector continues to expand, it is poised to become an even more attractive destination for both leisure and business tourism. By setting new standards and continuously adapting to market demands, Ho Chi Minh City is establishing itself as a benchmark for Southeast Asia’s tourism industry.

Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City has set a new tourism record, achieving VND 22 trillion in revenue with a 45% growth in July 2025. This success is driven by the city’s strategic MICE expansion, attracting international visitors and positioning itself as a regional hub for business and leisure tourism.

Ho Chi Minh City has demonstrated impressive growth in tourism revenue and visitor numbers, thanks to strategic developments within the sector. The city’s commitment to diversifying tourism products, expanding infrastructure, and integrating digital technologies is positioning it to become a major global tourism destination. As Ho Chi Minh City works towards its 2025 targets, it remains focused on sustainable growth and delivering high-quality experiences. The future of the city’s tourism sector looks promising, with continued expansion and innovation ensuring that Ho Chi Minh City will remain at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s tourism industry for years to come.