Foreign tourists visit HCM’s City Post Office. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — HCM City is focusing on investment to create new tourism offerings, upgrade tour packages, and promote tourism activities to attract more international tourists.

Liêu Thị Mỹ Hạnh, sales director of Les Rives Company said that starting from April to May 1, the business was fully booked by international tourist groups.

Most tourists choose tours to explore HCM City by river such as tours to Củ Chi tunnel, tours to Long An and Mekong Delta tours or half-day tours to explore the lifestyle along the Saigon River.

The company welcomed more than 200 international visitors this March and the number of visitors in April is expected to grow based on the number of tours booked per day.

Trần Thị Bảo Thu, Marketing and Communication Director of Fiditour Travel, said visitors to HCM City can book inner city tours.

The company is focusing on developing small tours around the city for groups of two or more people to meet the actual needs of tourists.

These tours focus on local cultural experiences for tourists, she said.

Recently, Bình Tây Market in District 6 has become an ideal destination which is popular with many foreigners due to its special architecture.

The market was originally built by a Chinese merchant, having been inspired by the traditional Chinese style.

Bình Tây is a site where outsiders can admire the ancient architecture, learn about the history of the market, as well as shop for goods at reasonable prices.

Stalls at the market stock a vast range of products in various shapes and sizes, thereby allowing visitors to experience part of the activities of a market, which is arguably the largest wholesale market of its kind throughout the southern city.

Many foreigners share that they are able to learn a lot about Vietnamese culture during their visit to Bình Tây market.

In addition, the city’s downtown District 1 is cooperating with the construction sector to draw up a plan to develop nightlife in HCM City until 2030 with a vision to 2050 and a scheme to boost services, come up with solutions to restructure Bến Thành Market in District 1, and rearrange trade and service activities on Lê Lợi Boulevard.

According to the city’s businesses, more Chinese tourist groups will arrive in the city in April after China decided to include Việt Nam in the list of countries to which Chinese group tours can be conducted from March 15.

HCM City expects to welcome 5 million international visitors this year.

Though this goal is relatively modest compared to pre-pandemic levels, the local tourism sector is working to improve entry and visa policies as well as air and road transport links, and to promote tourism activities to welcome back a large number of foreign holidaymakers. — VNS