HCM CITY — The first group of 12 domestic and foreign tourists travelling to HCM City on the first day of the New Year were greeted at the Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport with a welcoming ceremony.

The ceremony was hosted by the city’s Department of Tourism in collaboration with Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport.

The first group included six visitors arriving on a Vietnam Airlines flight from Frankfurt, Germany, while the others arrived on a Vietjet fight from Đà Nẵng.

They enjoyed traditional art performances and were presented airline tickets and tours of famous attractions in HCM City.

A German tourist said this was her first trip to Việt Nam. “I’m a little tired after a long flight, but I’m really excited to be here,” she said.

Last year the city saw more 36.5 million arrivals, including 7.5 million foreign tourists.

Tourism revenue was estimated at VNĐ140 trillion (US$6.05 billion).

Nguyễn Thị Ánh Hoa, deputy director of the city’s Department of Tourism, said this year the department would create more favourable conditions for investment in the tourism sector.

The city welcomed 8.5 million international visitors this year, an increase of 14 per cent compared to last year. Domestic tourists reached 32.77 million, a year-on-year increase of 13 per cent.

Tourism revenue is expected to reach VNĐ150 trillion ($6.5 billion) in 2018, up 14.5 per cent year-on-year. — VNS