Ho Chi Minh City opens tourism festival to kick-start summer travel promotion

The 22nd edition of the event, held at September 23 Park under the theme ‘Vibrant Summer Fest,’ brings together tourism businesses, localities, and service providers to showcase products and expand partnerships.

Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said at the opening that the festival serves not only as a platform for business cooperation and exchange but also supports efforts to position tourism as a key economic sector contributing to growth.

He said the industry should focus not only on increasing visitor numbers but also on boosting spending and added value, while continuing to expand international markets alongside domestic demand.

Hung also called for more innovation in tourism products, greater integration of cultural elements, and a shift toward green and sustainable development, as well as faster digital transformation to support the sector.

According to city officials, the event has expanded in scale over time and plays a role in connecting localities and promoting Vietnam’s tourism sector more broadly.

The festival features a range of activities including promotional fairs for summer travel, a tourism job exchange, talk shows, cultural performances, sports and circus exchanges, and food and outdoor events.