International tourists try their hand at making bánh Tét (the round glutinous rice cake) at the Tết Lunar New Year Festival in HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photos

HCM CITY — Moving beyond traditional sightseeing, HCM City is repositioning itself as a sophisticated "experience ecosystem" where digital transformation and personalised services serve as the primary drivers for international growth.

The city's tourism sector has entered a pivotal transition, shifting its focus from a race for numbers to a race for understanding.

For 2026, the city aims to welcome 11 million international arrivals and 50 million domestic visitors, contributing significantly to the national target of 25 million international guests.

To achieve this, the city is leveraging “data and experience” as its newest strategic assets.

Instead of simply promoting available landmarks, authorities and businesses are now analysing the emotional journey of travellers to provide bespoke services that meet their specific needs.

This systematic approach has replaced fragmented services with integrated packages that combine luxury stays, culinary arts, and high-end entertainment.

Digital transformation is no longer a luxury but a core pillar of the city’s strategy.

Dr. Khoa Tăng from RMIT University said that digital tools allow the city to expand its ‘tourism space’ in depth, rather than relying solely on physical infrastructure or geographical expansion.

Smart integration through digital maps and interactive applications helps transform historical data into vivid heritage stories, turning technology into a cultural ambassador for the city.

Seamless navigation tools also enable international visitors to independently explore the city’s rich cultural layers and culinary experiences more easily.

At the same time, partnerships between authorities and technology firms such as Grab Việt Nam are helping build a “smart tourism ecosystem” aimed at enhancing urban competitiveness and supporting sustainable growth.

A major catalyst for this growth is Resolution 62/2025/NQ-HĐND, a specific policy designed to attract large-scale MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) delegations.

The impact was immediate: in early May 2026, the city successfully hosted nearly 900 delegates from Allianz Indonesia, proving its professional capacity to serve high-end international groups.

Indian travelers capture memories at the iconic Saigon Central Post Office in HCM City.

Lê Trương Hiền Hòa, deputy director of the city’s Department of Tourism, said the city's MICE strategy through 2030 will focus on high-spending markets in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

"The goal is a perfect supply chain where travel agencies, hotels, and convention centres operate in a synchronised loop," he said.

Beyond business tourism, the city is diversifying its offerings to maintain its appeal as a dynamic “must-visit” destination.

New premium experiences include helicopter tours under the “Viewing the city from above” programme and five-star river cruises showcasing the city from the water.

At the same time, green and local tourism products such as speedboat trips to the Cần Giờ mangroves, motorbike street-food tours and “Run–Row–Chill” packages are gaining attention from visitors seeking more immersive experiences.

The city is also leveraging modern infrastructure, particularly the Metro – Suối Tiên line, to develop new urban exploration routes.

By involving local communities in agricultural and eco-tourism, particularly in suburban areas, the city is not only preserving its identity but also creating a friendly, civilised image that resonates with the global traveller.

It is firmly establishing itself as a premier, tech-forward "touchpoint" on the global tourism map, backed by a clear strategy and robust accommodation capacity that ensures a premium experience even during peak seasons. — VNS