In the first six months this year, the number of foreign arrivals to Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC) reached more than 1.9 million, a year-on-year rise of 5 percent, according the city's department of culture, sports and tourism.
So far this year, the number of foreign arrivals to the city fulfilled 47 percent of the year's target of welcoming 4.1 million.
Total tourism turnover during the six months reached an estimated VND41 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 30 percent, and 50 percent of the year's target.
The city is applying a value added tax refund program for foreign tourists on purchases made in Vietnam when exiting the country through Tan Son Nhat international airport.
So far, 37 businesses in the city have registered to sell goods with VAT refunds. HCMC's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is planning to intensify promotion activities to encourage travel agencies to participate in the program.