HCM City targets 3.3 million int’l visitors in 2011

Ho Chi Minh City expects to receive at least 3.3 million foreign visitors in 2011, earning 48 trillion VND (2.4 billion USD), according to the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
In the first nine months of 2010, the number of international arrivals to the city reached 2.2 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 13 percent.
At this growth rate, the southern economic hub hopes to welcome the 3 millionth visitor in mid-December this year.
HCM City targets 2.8 million foreign tourists this year but the real figure may exceed 3 million.
The city’s tourism sector accounts for 60 percent of international arrivals to Vietnam, 45 percent of the country’s tourism revenues and 5.5 percent of its GDP.