Ho Chi Minh City is preparing for a major tourism expansion in 2026 with an ambitious strategy focused on MICE tourism, digital transformation, and sustainable development. The city aims to welcome nearly 61 million visitors, including 11 million international tourists and 50 million domestic travellers, while targeting tourism revenue of around 330 trillion VND. The plan reflects the city’s strong determination to position itself as one of Asia’s leading tourism and business event destinations.
A major part of the strategy is strengthening Ho Chi Minh City’s role as a regional hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE). Large-scale events such as the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC) and cultural festivals are expected to play a key role in attracting global business travellers and boosting the city’s international visibility. Authorities believe MICE tourism, combined with urban experiences and cultural attractions, will help position the city as a premier destination in Asia.
Digital innovation is another core pillar of the 2026 roadmap. The city plans to accelerate the development of a smart tourism ecosystem through AI-driven travel planning, digital management systems, contactless services, and improved tourism marketing. Officials are focusing on using technology to create smoother and more personalised visitor experiences while improving efficiency across the tourism sector.
Sustainability and green growth are also central to the strategy. Ho Chi Minh City is focusing on protecting environmental and cultural resources while expanding tourism infrastructure responsibly. The city plans to develop interconnected tourism products linking urban, riverside, coastal, and ecological destinations, creating a more diverse and experience-driven tourism model.
According to city officials, the tourism sector’s strong performance in 2025 has created a solid foundation for these future goals. In 2025, the city welcomed over 8.5 million international visitors and generated tourism revenue of approximately 278 trillion VND, demonstrating strong recovery and growth momentum.
Overall, Ho Chi Minh City’s 2026 tourism strategy reflects a broader vision of transforming the city into a smart, sustainable, and globally competitive destination. By combining MICE development, digital innovation, regional connectivity, and sustainable tourism practices, the city aims to strengthen its position on the international tourism map while delivering higher-quality experiences for travellers.
