Improving human resource quality
In 2026, Ho Chi Minh City's tourism industry faces the requirement to strongly innovate in terms of products, human resources and operating methods to maintain the leading role of the whole country and create room for sustainable growth in the new development phase.
According to the assessment of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, one of the major bottlenecks in the industry in the past time is that high-quality human resources have not met development requirements. Many tourism businesses face difficulties in recruiting workers with appropriate expertise and skills; while human resource training and fostering according to the value chain and regional linkage have not been synchronously implemented.
The difference in the quality of human resources between localities in the linked region also causes obstacles to the organization of tours and common routes, directly affecting the quality of service and the experience of tourists.
Faced with that reality, 2026 is identified as a key year for the organization, training and development of tourism human resources. The Ho Chi Minh City tourism industry focuses on improving the capacity of the labor force in a professional, high-quality direction, building a civilized and friendly behavioral community.
In which, organize skills training classes on promotion, consulting and supporting tourists; train tourism knowledge, communication skills and situation handling for forces directly serving tourism such as taxi drivers and service staff in the city.
Ho Chi Minh City tourism repositions itself in a new development space
In 2026, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to implement the Tourism Development Project to 2030, focusing on improving the quality and diversification of products, focusing on typical tourism products of major cities. At the same time, strengthening promotion and access to new tourism markets, especially from Europe, America and the Middle East.
Mr. Pham Huy Binh - Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism said that in 2026, the city's tourism industry will focus on implementing key tasks associated with the unified urban space, developing in-depth products, increasing competitiveness and promoting the application of digital technology in management, promotion and service to tourists.
In addition, Ho Chi Minh City continues to promote regional linkages to form interconnected product chains, increase experience value and make positive contributions to socio-economic development.
2025 is considered a year of complete success for Ho Chi Minh City tourism, when the city welcomed nearly 8.6 million international visitors (up more than 40%), 45 million domestic visitors (up 18.4%). Total revenue from tourism reached about 279,000 billion VND, an increase of nearly 46%, completing 107% of the plan and leading the country in terms of visitor scale and revenue.
These results create an important foundation for the Ho Chi Minh City tourism industry to enter a new stage of development with higher goals.
In 2026, the city aims to welcome about 11 million international visitors, 50 million domestic visitors, with total revenue from tourism estimated at about 330,000 billion VND. Thereby, continuing to affirm the leading role and spread of Ho Chi Minh City tourism to the whole country.
