Home » ASIA » HCMC’s Record-Breaking Tourism Growth With Over Thirty Million Domestic Tourists And Over Two Hundred Trillion VND In Revenue Sets The Stage For An Exciting End To 2025
Published on
November 9, 2025
Tourism in Ho Chi Minh City yielded tremendous results with over 30 million domestic tourists and more than 200 trillion VND generated in revenue, culminating in a remarkable 2025. Strategic initiatives such as expanded visa exemptions, a focus on wellness and medical tourism, and further improvements to existing infrastructure drew more interest from local and overseas tourists. With the peak season over, Ho Chi Minh City has maintained moments which will help improve the status of the city as a premier tourist destination. HCM City is again enroute to consolidating its position as a premier tourist destination on the world stage.
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) continues to show resilience and positive growth in its tourism sector, as the latest figures reflect impressive domestic and international travel trends. The city has made significant strides in meeting its tourism targets, despite global challenges. With a domestic tourist arrival figure of 33.08 million, HCMC has achieved 66.2% of its annual goal, and the total tourism revenue has reached VND208.06 trillion, equating to 71.7% of the target for the year.
As the city moves into the final quarter of 2025, HCMC’s tourism performance continues to be robust. Public transport in the city saw an estimated 55.1 million passengers in October alone, with the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line maintaining smooth operations, serving 1.8 million passengers. Air transport also performed strongly, carrying a total of 3.3 million passengers during the same period. This indicates an upward trajectory for both local and international travel.
The positive growth momentum in HCMC’s tourism sector is set to continue into the year-end peak season. The city is preparing for the arrival of large international delegations and is actively strengthening its regional connections. With an enhanced focus on promoting key domestic and international markets, HCMC aims to further solidify its position as one of Southeast Asia’s top tourism destinations.
Rising Interest in Medical and Wellness Tourism
One of the key drivers of HCMC’s tourism growth is the city’s increased focus on medical and wellness tourism. The city has launched new initiatives to connect with neighboring regions, particularly the Mekong Delta and Southeastern areas. These initiatives aim to develop integrated tourism products that combine healthcare, wellness, and cultural experiences. By aligning the tourism and healthcare sectors, the city is positioning itself to offer sustainable, high-quality experiences that appeal to a wide range of international and domestic visitors.
This move towards a people-centered and holistic tourism model is expected to drive long-term growth and attract a diverse range of tourists, particularly those interested in wellness, medical care, and cultural immersion. As medical tourism continues to grow globally, HCMC’s efforts to integrate these offerings will likely prove to be a strong competitive advantage.
Impact of Visa Exemption on European Arrivals
HCMC has also benefited from the recent changes in Vietnam’s visa policies. The country’s new visa exemption policy for citizens of 12 European countries has led to a notable surge in travel interest from Eastern Europe. Since the policy took effect in mid-August, searches for accommodation in Vietnam have risen by 59% in Eastern European markets, with HCMC ranking third among the most searched destinations in the country. This surge highlights the growing interest in Vietnam as an accessible and attractive travel destination for European tourists.
The expanded visa exemption policy has simplified entry procedures, making it easier for international travelers to visit Vietnam. With improved accessibility, the country’s tourism market has become even more competitive, positioning HCMC as a key destination for travelers from Europe and beyond. The increased interest from distant markets also reflects a broader trend of travelers seeking new, diverse destinations with rich cultural and historical offerings.
Strengthening Regional and International Linkages
As HCMC continues to enhance its regional and international links, efforts to promote the city as a global tourism hub are showing promising results. The city has increased its focus on strengthening ties with nearby regions in Southeast Asia, as well as global markets, to bolster its tourism offerings. Through targeted promotional campaigns, strategic partnerships, and initiatives aimed at improving connectivity, HCMC is setting the stage for continued growth in its tourism sector.
In addition to regional outreach, the city’s collaboration with international travel platforms has played a crucial role in improving its global visibility. By leveraging digital tools and platforms, HCMC has made it easier for international tourists to plan their trips, while also providing personalized recommendations for visitors based on their preferences. This proactive approach to digital marketing and tourism promotion ensures that HCMC remains on the radar of travelers worldwide.
Looking Ahead: HCMC’s Bright Tourism Future
With a clear focus on innovation, regional collaboration, and diversification of tourism offerings, Ho Chi Minh City is well-positioned to meet its long-term tourism goals. The city’s sustained growth, combined with its proactive efforts to attract international tourists and regional visitors, ensures a strong outlook for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. As the city moves into the high-demand year-end season, these efforts are expected to result in a continued influx of visitors, boosting both the local economy and the tourism industry.
Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector has reached record-breaking growth with over thirty million domestic tourists and over two hundred trillion VND in revenue, driven by strategic initiatives like expanded visa exemptions and a focus on wellness tourism, positioning the city for a strong finish to 2025.
Through initiatives like enhancing regional connectivity, expanding wellness tourism, and leveraging policy changes to boost European arrivals, HCMC’s tourism sector is building a strong foundation for the future. As the city strengthens its international profile and continues to adapt to changing travel trends, its position as a premier destination in Southeast Asia is set to grow, welcoming millions of visitors in the years to come.
