HCM CITY – HCM City officials at a recent meeting proposed opening more pedestrian streets to attract tourists.

Huỳnh Thanh Hải, secretary of District 1 Party Committee, meeting with the city’s People’s Council, said that District 1 in the heart of the city hosted many social and cultural events on a regular basis and attracts millions of local and foreign tourists every year, especially on national holidays.

Besides popular attractions like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace and Bến Thành Market, the Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street downtown has helped lure more visitors in recent years.

Hải said the city’s People’s Committee should upgrade and renovate Bến Thành Market and its night markets as it is not only a place to shop but also has historic value which attracts tourists.

“There is high demand for entertaining activities on walking streets. The city should connect Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street with Bạch Đằng Wharf Park and set up entertainment spots with dining and shopping zones to serve locals and tourists on weekends,” he said.

He also suggested expanding Bùi Viện Walking Street to nearby streets like Đỗ Quang Đẩu and Đề Thám and connect them to the 23/9 Park to offer more interesting stops for visitors.

Nguyễn Thị Quyết Tâm, chairwoman of the People’s Council, hailed the district’s efforts in boosting the tourism sector, considered a spearhead sector that contributes greatly to the city’s budget.

She called on the district to encourage locals to offer tourism services and improve urban management so that the city is “civilised and modern”.

The district should also review its tourism advantages to find ways to make best use of them and call on relevant department and agencies to work together to develop the tourism sector, she added. — VNS