Tourists visit the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)

Specifically, the city welcomed 87,358 foreign visitors, an increase of 16.5% compared to the same period last year. Tourist attractions, entertainment venues, and service areas recorded around 2.1 million visitors, a hike of 16.7% from last year.

This positive outcome was attributed to the city’s organisation of events to celebrate Tet and its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of its tourism products.

A preliminary report from travel companies also indicated that preparations to serve tourists began early. New tourism products with competitive prices were introduced as early as late 2024. Additionally, travel companies launched various promotional programmes, such as offering gifts, 4G SIM cards, and discount vouchers for customers paying by credit card, early registrants, or group bookings.

Some notable new tourism products in HCM City include Spring Tour in Thu Duc city, Celebrating Tet with celebrities and Binh Dong Wharf - Phu My Hung - Double-Decker Bus. Other interprovincial tours featured destinations such as Sa Dec’s Century-Old Flower Village, Cho Lach Flower Village in Ben Tre province.

Shopping centres and restaurants also arranged various activities to welcome the new year, decorating their premises and hosting traditional Tet festivals with discounts and promotions ranging from 15% to 20% for both residents and tourists.

Furthermore, hotels from three to five stars held diverse and traditional Lunar New Year celebrations to enhance guests' holiday experiences, including lion dance performances and New Year greetings. Some hotels also offered 20-30% discounts on services such as bars and spas and a 25% reduction on airport transfer fees.