2.9 million foreign tourists visit HCMC in ten months

In October, the number of foreign tourists flocking to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) reached an estimated 450,000, an increase of 11 percent over October 2010.
On the whole, the southern hub attracted nearly 2.9 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first ten months of 2011, a year-on-year increase of 10 percent.
Tourism turnover in October was estimated at VND 4.8 trillion, up 20 percent compared to the same period last year. This brought the figure for the first ten months of 2011 to VND 38.8 trillion, up 21 percent.
Currently, the city’s department of culture, sport and tourism is finishing plans for a gastronomy festival featuring delicious dishes from around the world. The festival will be held from December 26, 2011 to January 1, 2012 and is expected to draw the participation of 80 domestic and foreign organisations.
In additional, the HCMC tourism sector is coordinating with relevant agencies to prepare for activities and events which will be held during the New Year Festival and the Lunar New Year Festival 2012. Organisers are hopefully these events will attract even more foreign visitors to the city.