The annual festival was kicked off today [April 6] in Vietnam’s southern economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City, marking the start of efforts to promote inbound and outbound tourism amidst the strong recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s festival promises to be an exciting event, with a variety of activities and attractions aimed at encouraging and boosting both domestic and international travel. It is hoped that the festival can help to further stimulate the local economy, as well as the tourism industry both within and outside of Vietnam. With the increasing demand for travel and the gradual relaxation of restrictions, the festival provides an ideal opportunity for both tourists and local residents to explore and enjoy the many sights and attractions that the city has to offer.
The four-day event gathers more than 120 booths of travel agents, offering a wide range of sales for both domestic and international tours. With so many opportunities to explore, visitors can find the perfect getaway for themselves or their family. From traditional sightseeing to adventurous excursions, this expo offers an array of travel packages to suit any budget. Not only can attendees find great deals, but they can also take part in activities that will educate and inspire them. With helpful seminars, interactive demonstrations, and live music, this event is sure to be a memorable one.
Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant crossroads, connecting tourist attractions and regions across Vietnam through conferences, photo exhibitions, job bazaars, business matchmaking, and tourism promotion programs. This bustling city has something for everyone, from historical sites and diverse cultures to vibrant nightlife and delicious food. By hosting a variety of events, Ho Chi Minh City is able to bring together people from all over the country and create a unique atmosphere that caters to both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a chance to explore the city’s rich history, Ho Chi Minh City has something for you.
This year’s festival is expected to welcome more than 150,000 attendees, surpassing the figure from last year’s event, despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The travel industry in Vietnam has seen significant growth in recent years, thanks to the country’s expanding infrastructure and improved services. In 2019, the sector accounted for 8.4% of Vietnam’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making it one of the largest contributors to the nation’s economy. Furthermore, the number of international tourists visiting the country has grown steadily, with 18 million foreign visitors recorded in 2019 – a 14% increase from 2018. Additionally, domestic travelers also increased by 7% year-on-year to 85 million.
The travel industry in Vietnam has undoubtedly been a key driving force for the country’s economic growth over the last few years. The sector has seen significant growth thanks to the country’s expanding infrastructure, improved services, and attractive travel destinations. Not only that, but the number of foreign visitors to Vietnam in 2019 was a record-breaking 18 million, while domestic visitors increased by 7% year-on-year to 85 million. As a result, the sector contributed VND755 trillion (US$32.8 billion) to the nation’s GDP in 2019 – an impressive 8.4% of the total.
The Covid-19 pandemic has, unfortunately, had a huge impact on the travel industry in Vietnam. Despite this, the Vietnamese government is taking steps to ensure the sector remains resilient and recovers quickly. This includes investing in new infrastructure and services, as well as offering promotional activities and incentives to attract travelers. With these initiatives, the country is well-positioned to capitalize on its potential and continue contributing to the nation’s economy in the future.
In 2022, the number of domestic tourists surged to over 100 million.
Festivals have been used to promote and showcase a variety of destinations, including cities, regions, and countries. Travel festivals offer a unique opportunity to showcase a destination to a wide range of potential visitors.
Travel festivals can be used to promote a destination’s unique culture, cuisine, and attractions. They provide a platform for showcasing local products, art, and music, while allowing visitors to interact with the local community. These festivals can also boost tourism by providing a platform for businesses to promote their services and products. Additionally, they can serve as a platform to promote environmental protection and sustainability initiatives.
Travel festivals are a great way to draw attention to a destination and create an enjoyable experience for visitors. They can be used to create a sense of community and bring people together to enjoy the best of a destination. By showcasing the local culture, cuisine, and attractions, travel festivals can be an effective tool for promoting a destination and boosting tourism.
| Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2023 is the 19th event of its kind. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/Mekong Environment Forum (MEF) |
| “Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2023: Vibrant Crossroads” kicked off in District 1, HCMC on April 6. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| The festival connects tourist destinations across Vietnam. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| Photo exhibition at the festival. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| The space of culture and tourism of Northwest Vietnam. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| Lao Cai, which is home to well-known Sa Pa, appears with the slogan: “Find yourself in the clouds”. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| Yen Bai in the Northwest is famous for Mu Cang Chai spectacular terraced ricefields and picturesque landscape. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| Thua Thien Hue and Quang Binh in Central Vietnam, home to UNESCO-recognized tangible and intangible cultural heritage and the world’s largest cave Son Doong, respectively. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| Nha Trang City in the central province of Khanh Hoa is home to world-class beaches with some of them listed as the world’s best ones. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| Binh Thuan with “blue sea, white sand, sunshine” – the destination of Vietnam’s National Tourism Year 2023. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| Binh Phuoc – cashew capital of Vietnam, is not far from Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| Can Tho – the largest economic hub in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s most productive agriculture and aquaculture region. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| Dong Thap in the Mekong Delta is famous for immense lotus fields and preserved nature. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| Viettravel – one of the biggest travel agents in Vietnam. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
| Saigontourist, another big travel agent. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen/MEF |
