HCM CITY — HCM City tourism saw growth in arrivals in the first ten months of the year, welcoming nearly 6.6 million foreign visitors, representing a year-on-year increase of 18 per cent, according to its Department of Tourism.

During the period, domestic visitors reached more than 33 million.

Tourism revenue totalled VNĐ208 trillion (US$7.9 billion) during the period, up 22 per cent year-on-year.

In October alone, the city received more than 705,000 foreign visitors and 3.9 million domestic visitors.

The growth was driven by more diverse cultural events and festivals and the recovery of key markets and efforts by businesses to renew their products.

Trần Thị Bảo Thu, representative of Vietluxtour, said that the peak months of international tourism usually begin from October and last until the end of April next year.

During this period, tourists from many countries in Europe and North America want to avoid the cold of winter and look for warm destinations in Southeast Asia. HCM City is one of their top choices, she said.

As part of efforts to develop new tourism products, the department has coordinated with airlines and tourism businesses to reopen scenic helicopter tour service by December.

Nguyễn Minh Mẫn, deputy general director of VinaGroup Travel, said the company will deploy three main products: helicopter tours, sightseeing flights, and model flight experiences.

There are additional services such as charter flights to serve high-end customers and specialised businesses, he said.

The city strives to welcome 10 million foreign visitors and 45-50 million domestic visitors this year.

Total tourism revenue is expected to reach VNĐ290 trillion ($11 billion). — VNS