Ho Chi Minh City tourism fuels economic growth with record revenue

In the first half of 2024, tourism in Ho Chi Minh City generated roughly VND 214 trillion, meeting about 65 % of the city’s annual target. The sector helped lift the city’s service‑sector growth to 8.89 %, contributing 54 % of GRDP and 56 % of overall economic expansion.

The city welcomed about 6.4 million international visitors (58 % of the plan) and 27.3 million domestic travelers (54.6 % of the plan). Tourism’s spillover effects boosted accommodation and food services revenue to over VND 119 trillion, travel services to VND 19 trillion, retail sales to VND 968 trillion, and transport and logistics to VND 22 trillion.

New initiatives such as helicopter tours, night‑economy packages, and expanded MICE events aim to raise per‑visitor spending, which officials say remains a key challenge for sustainable growth.