Spanish band Vocal Tempo will collaborate with artist Ngô Hồng Quang at HOZO 2019. — Photo tuoitre.vn

HCM CITY — The 2019 HOZO International Music Festival in HCM City would not only be a significant cultural event of the year but also a magnet for tourists, the city Department of Tourism has said.

Relevant authorities, experts and the media attended a press conference on October 18 to discuss the organisation of HOZO, an international music festival organised with Government backing.

Deputy head of the city Department of Culture and Sports, Nguyễn Thị Thanh Thuý, said the festival would not only introduce Vietnamese music to the world but also create a modern music space in the country.

“The festival is part of HCM City’s strategic investment plan to develop the cultural sector.”

She said it would become an annual event to be held every December.

Huy Tuấn, a musician and music director of HOZO, said all participants in the festival would bring their newest productions.

French-Vietnamese artist Nguyên Lê and his French friends; Vocal Tempo, who won The X-factor Spain and Vietnam All-stars Band, are part of the festival line-up, he said.

In addition to concerts daily between December 13 and 15 on Nguyễn Huệ Street, Bạch Đằng Wharf and Hoa Lư Stadium, the festival will also feature food fares, exhibitions and seminars on Việt Nam’s evolving music industry.

Deputy head of the tourism department, Võ Ngọc Thuý, said since HOZO is expected to be a significant cultural event both for the city and country, her department has sent its details to other tourism agencies to design tours to HCM City.

“I hope relevant authorities will support the festival to make HCM city a hub for cultural events.” — VNS