HCMC – HCMC is stepping up cooperation with 168 communes and wards as part of a broader push to develop sustainable and community-based tourism under its 2025-2030 strategy, aiming to balance economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental protection.
At a meeting held in HCMC on December 6, Saigontourist Group brought together leaders of 168 local administrations and media representatives under the theme “Saigontourist Group – connecting and accompanying communities in tourism development.” The event marked the start of a broader strategy to deepen collaboration between authorities, businesses and local communities.
Speaking at the event, HCMC Vice Chairman Nguyen Van Dung said Saigontourist Group’s nationwide service network gives it an advantage in supporting and coordinating tourism activities across the city. He called on local governments and media outlets to join hands in promoting the city’s destinations so that each area can establish its own identity and unique tourism products. Building digital, green and sustainable tourism, he noted, will help the city pursue its goal of becoming a leading Asian destination and maintaining double-digit economic growth.
Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, chairwoman of the Members’ Council at Saigontourist Group, said the corporation is developing a cooperation framework involving the company, local authorities and communities. The initiative is intended to serve as the foundation for tourism development throughout the 2025-2030 period. Working with 168 communes and wards and strategic media partners, she added, will help protect cultural heritage, enhance the tourism environment and improve local living standards.
Saigontourist Group expects this partnership model to help ease policy bottlenecks and create favorable conditions for developing new tourism services. It also aims to collaborate more closely with local communities to promote cultural values, cuisine and natural resources, expand tour itineraries and build distinctive tourism products.
Participants at the meeting expressed strong support for the initiative and agreed on the need for a set of synchronized solutions to drive long-term, sustainable tourism development.
Doan Van Du, chairman of Tan Son Nhat Ward, said the ward is planning to expand its night-time economy through a new night street zone. With Metro Lines 2 and 5 expected to run through the Bay Hien intersection and a new transit-oriented development (TOD) model taking shape, the ward plans to develop medical tourism and hopes Saigontourist Group will support investment in facilities and services.
Nguyen Tuc, chairman of Ho Tram Commune, said the locality, known for its beaches, resorts and golf tourism, is seeking more partners to accelerate infrastructure development, especially coastal roads and expressways, to attract more visitors to the area.
