The Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Day 2025 has kicked off with a vibrant showcase aimed at stimulating summer tourism, running from April 3 to April 6. This year marks the 21st iteration of the event, which features over 100 booths representing 41 provinces and cities, along with 32 travel, transportation, and airline businesses.
With nearly 900 tourism products and services on offer, visitors can take advantage of discounts reaching up to 45%. The event serves as a significant platform for promoting various travel packages, catering to the growing demand for unique summer experiences.
BestPrice Travel, one of the highlighted participants, has tailored its offerings to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation. Bui Thanh Tu, the company’s Marketing Director, stated, "This year’s Tourism Day features specially designed travel products such as the tours 'Returning to the Land of Steel' and 'Imprints of Heroic Unification.' These journeys not only provide wonderful travel experiences but also help promote the image of Vietnamese tourism, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City."
Vietravel has also introduced an exciting new tour, "The Sweet Taste of Thieng Lieng Salt," which takes travelers to Can Gio district in Ho Chi Minh City. Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, the Deputy General Director of Vietravel, shared that the company is offering discounts ranging from 600,000 to 700,000 VND for trips to the Northwest and Central provinces. Furthermore, international tours to destinations such as Thailand, Singapore-Malaysia, China, Korea, and various locations in Europe, Australia, America, and Africa are available at highly competitive prices.
Golden Smile is another participant making waves with its promotion titled "Golden Experience - Overwhelming Offers," which includes direct discounts of up to 30% on many tours and group tour discounts up to 10 million VND. Nguyen Tran Hoang Phuong, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Golden Smile, emphasized the importance of this event in showcasing their special promotional program.
In addition to domestic tours, Du Lich Viet is focusing on winter tours to countries with opposite seasons, such as Australia and New Zealand. The company aims to provide a refreshing experience for those seeking a winter getaway during Vietnam's summer. Tran Van Long, the General Director of Du Lich Viet, noted, "We separate air tickets from tour packages to facilitate 'cheap ticket hunting,' making it easier for customers to find affordable travel options."
Despite the challenges posed by rising airfare, domestic routes are becoming more diverse, offering quality services through high-speed trains and boats to popular destinations like Con Dao and Phu Quoc, with savings of 20-40% compared to previous years. This strategic approach is anticipated to attract a significant number of tourists, as the infrastructure improvements make travel more convenient and enjoyable.
The Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Day 2025 is not just about showcasing travel options; it also features a series of community activities designed to enhance connections between residents, businesses, and regulatory agencies. These activities include cultural exchanges, performances, and creative experiences aimed at fostering a modern and sustainable tourism industry.
As Vietnam navigates the complexities of the VUCA era—characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity—there is a pressing need for innovation, technology application, and responsible action to drive the tourism sector forward. Experts predict that 2025 will be a pivotal year for recovery, with 60% of global professionals believing that the tourism industry will fully rebound next year.
However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. The tourism industry faces rising travel costs, a lack of quality accommodation, and the impact of global economic instability. According to recent surveys, 70% of global tourists are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products, particularly those related to Net Zero or reduced carbon emissions. This trend underscores the growing importance of sustainability in travel choices.
Moreover, there is an increasing preference for personalized and self-sufficient tourism, supported by technology such as AI, chatbots, and digital applications. The younger generation, particularly Gen Z, is leading this trend by actively seeking information and designing their own travel itineraries through digital platforms.
Wellness tourism is also on the rise, with products like meditation, yoga, and healing retreats gaining popularity. The concept of "Forest Bathing" in Japan, where travelers immerse themselves in nature to rejuvenate their spirits, exemplifies this trend's appeal.
Exploring lesser-known destinations is another emerging trend, as travelers seek unique experiences away from crowded tourist spots. This shift not only offers privacy and distinctiveness but also directly benefits local communities.
Luxury tourism is gaining traction, evidenced by American billionaires choosing Ha Long Bay for their vacations and Bill Gates visiting Da Nang in 2024. These high-profile visits highlight Vietnam's potential to become a premium destination with deep cultural value.
Finally, the workation trend—where individuals combine work and vacation—is experiencing significant growth, with a 35% increase in interest. This trend represents a new frontier for the global tourism industry, as more people seek to work remotely in serene and well-equipped environments.
To seize these opportunities, Vietnam must act swiftly to address seasonal fluctuations, enhance infrastructure connectivity, and preserve cultural values. Suggestions include easing visa regulations, simplifying procedures to boost competitiveness, and investing in cohesive infrastructure, particularly in transportation, accommodation, and digital technology.
In conclusion, the sustainable development of Vietnam's tourism sector requires a collaborative effort among the government, businesses, communities, and international organizations. By focusing on innovation, technology, and responsible practices, Vietnam can position itself as a leading destination in the evolving landscape of global tourism.
