On the afternoon of October 21, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in trade and tourism promotion and air route network development for the 2026–2030 period. The agreement establishes a framework for both parties to leverage their respective strengths, strengthen connectivity between aviation and tourism, expand access to domestic and international markets, and enhance the travel experience for passengers and visitors.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Pham Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, along with representatives of relevant authorities. Representing ACV were Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Mr. Nguyen Duc Hung, Acting General Director; and Mr. Vu Pham Nguyen An, Deputy General Director, together with leaders of ACV’s functional departments, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, and its member units.

Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in tourism promotion and air route network development for 2026–2030.

As Ho Chi Minh City expands its development space and strengthens regional connectivity, improving access to domestic and international markets is increasingly important for attracting visitors, developing tourism products, and enhancing the city’s competitiveness as a destination. In this context, aviation plays a vital role in facilitating access to destinations, supporting tourism network development, and creating opportunities for trade and economic exchange.

As the enterprise responsible for investing in, managing, and operating Vietnam’s airport system, ACV places strong emphasis on working with local authorities, relevant agencies, and businesses to optimize aviation infrastructure, strengthen market connectivity, and improve passenger services. Cooperation with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism provides a foundation for closer integration between airport operations and destination promotion, while supporting the development of air route networks in line with market demand.

ACV Chairman of the Board of Directors Nguyen Cao Cuong (left) and Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism Director Pham Huy Binh sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Chairman of ACV’s Board of Directors, emphasized: “ACV considers stronger cooperation with the tourism sector a practical way to maximize the effectiveness of aviation infrastructure, expand market connectivity, and improve passenger services. Through this cooperation, ACV looks forward to working with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism to promote air route development, enhance destination marketing, and strengthen partnerships across the aviation and tourism ecosystem. With Tan Son Nhat International Airport’s role as a key gateway and the planned development of Long Thanh International Airport, close coordination between the two parties will help expand connectivity, create new momentum for the city’s tourism sector, and contribute to regional socio-economic development.”

Tan Son Nhat International Airport serves as a key aviation gateway supporting tourism connectivity in Ho Chi Minh City.

Long Thanh International Airport is expected to expand connectivity opportunities and drive tourism development in the city.

Building on their respective functions, strengths, and resources, ACV and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism have agreed to implement key areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening links among airlines, tourism businesses, and relevant partners, thereby improving the effectiveness of market outreach and destination promotion.

The cooperation framework focuses on four key areas:

• Air route network development: Strengthening engagement with airlines, exchanging market information, and promoting the maintenance and expansion of air routes to Ho Chi Minh City and connected localities, with Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh serving as key aviation gateways.

• Destination promotion linked to airport infrastructure: Promoting the Ho Chi Minh City tourism brand and airports managed by ACV; developing aviation-related tourism products, including MICE and transit tourism; and applying digital technology to destination marketing and visitor information services.

• Sustainable tourism development in Con Dao: Exploring transport connectivity solutions and measures to manage visitor flows in line with infrastructure capacity, while supporting tourism development that preserves the island’s historical, cultural, and natural heritage.

• Data sharing and human resource development: Enhancing information exchange and market research, assessing visitor satisfaction, and coordinating training, professional development, and knowledge-sharing activities to improve service quality and cooperation effectiveness.

Both parties will explore connectivity solutions for Con Dao Airport, supporting the sustainable development of island tourism.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Pham Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, emphasized: “For the tourism sector, airports are not only gateways for welcoming visitors but also among the first touchpoints that shape their impressions of a destination. Cooperation between aviation and tourism is therefore essential to promoting the city’s image, encouraging longer stays and higher visitor spending, and creating development opportunities for both sectors.”

The signing of the MOU for 2026–2030 establishes a basis for ACV and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism to strengthen coordination and make effective use of their respective strengths and resources. Through air route development, destination promotion, data sharing, and service quality improvements, both parties aim to expand visitor markets, create more opportunities for businesses, and enhance the appeal of Ho Chi Minh City as a tourism destination.

Closer integration between aviation infrastructure and tourism promotion is expected to strengthen connectivity, deepen links between Ho Chi Minh City and other localities, support sustainable tourism development, and enhance Vietnam’s competitiveness as a destination.

News and photos: Administration Department