In Ho Chi Minh City:
At 6:35 AM on January 1, 2026, tourists from Germany arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on flight VN30 of Vietnam Airlines , and at 7:15 AM, tourists from Qatar arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on flight QR974 of Qatar Airways.
2026 marks a significant milestone as Ho Chi Minh City affirms its position as a "megacity" after the merger process, rising to become a key economic, cultural, and tourism center of the region.
The event welcoming the first group of tourists of the year is not only an annual celebration but also a commitment to a "Safe - Friendly - Attractive" destination. Through this, Ho Chi Minh City's tourism industry aims to fully convey the spirit of "Openness - Youthfulness - Vibrancy - Inspiration - Looking Towards the Future" to international friends, creating momentum to boost domestic and international tourism growth right from the beginning of the year.
This year's welcoming ceremony features unique cultural experiences: The first visitors of the new year and tourists will be immersed in the traditional Tet atmosphere with a miniature Ben Thanh Market, golden apricot blossoms, vibrant chrysanthemums, and the phrase "I Love Vibrant HCMC"; Upon landing, visitors can participate in tea ceremonies, enjoy Tet sweets and treats, watch calligraphers write calligraphy, make clay figurines, and take souvenir photos with the city's two cheerful tourism symbols - Little Star and Little Hat.
On the first flights of the year, passengers received a special welcome from the flight crew. Between 5 and 10 lucky passengers on each flight were personally presented with wreaths and tourism gifts reflecting the city's unique identity by leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and the Department of Tourism, as a wish for good luck and safety before embarking on their journey to explore Vietnam.
In addition, tourists visiting at the beginning of the year are given meaningful gifts, such as characteristic products like conical hats, travel service vouchers, bags, pillows, umbrellas, magnets, stuffed animals, culinary passports, etc., from travel businesses.
Within the framework of the event, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism organized tourist information booths, providing visitors with: publications introducing unique inner-city tours and routes, "Culinary Passports" and souvenir gifts; information on promotional programs and discount vouchers from airlines and partner businesses; and displays of souvenir products reflecting the rich cultural values of Vietnam.
According to Mr. Pham Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the welcoming ceremony for the first group of tourists to Ho Chi Minh City in early 2026 is not only an activity to welcome the first "first visitors," but also signifies the beginning of a booming and successful year for Vietnamese tourism.
According to the plan, in 2026, Ho Chi Minh City aims to welcome approximately 61 million visitors, including 11 million international tourists and 50 million domestic tourists, with total tourism revenue expected to reach 330,000 billion VND.
In Lam Dong:
On the morning of January 1st, at Lien Khuong International Airport, more than 200 of the first passengers to arrive in Lam Dong province on flight VN-6172 from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat were unexpectedly warmly welcomed by the leaders of Lam Dong province.
Welcoming and presenting meaningful gifts for the first guests on the occasion of the New Year 2025 were Comrade Ho Van Muoi, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Lam Dong province; Comrade Dinh Van Tuan, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of the province; and Comrade Nguyen Van Loc, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong province…
As one of the passengers on the first flight to Lam Dong province on New Year's Day, Ms. Hoang Thu Ha sent her best wishes to everyone, hoping they would have good luck, smooth sailing in their work, and always maintain an optimistic spirit.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong province, last year the number of tourists to the locality reached 20.7 million people (an increase of 18.1% compared to the same period), achieving 115.38% of the plan. Of which, 1.287 million were international tourists (an increase of 39.7% compared to the same period). Revenue from tourism is estimated at 56,800 billion VND. The tourism infrastructure of Lam Dong province is increasingly receiving investment, renovation, and upgrading to meet the growing needs of tourists.
Welcoming the first tourists to Lam Dong province on the occasion of the New Year 2026 continues to demonstrate the spirit of respect and hospitality of Lam Dong province's tourism industry. This is also an opportunity to promote the image of the locality, boost economic and social development, and spread joy and a cheerful atmosphere to welcome the new year.
In Da Nang:
On the morning of January 1st, the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism simultaneously organized activities to welcome the first visitors of the new year 2026 at many important destinations, including Da Nang International Airport, Chu Lai Airport, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Marble Mountains.
At the domestic terminal of Da Nang International Airport, the city's tourism industry organized a welcoming ceremony for the first flight of the year from Hanoi, carrying 170 passengers.
At the international terminal, Da Nang welcomed a series of international flights at the beginning of the year from many key markets such as Manila (Philippines), Incheon and Busan (South Korea), Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Singapore… with a total of more than 1,200 international passengers.
At the same time, at Chu Lai Airport, leaders of Da Nang City welcomed two of the first flights of the year: VJ1370 from Ho Chi Minh City and VN1641 from Hanoi. This is considered a positive sign for aviation and tourism activities in the Central region, especially as Chu Lai is gradually asserting its role as an important aviation gateway for the region.
At the airports, many domestic and international tourists expressed excitement and surprise at the thoughtful and friendly welcome they received upon arrival. Fresh flowers, souvenirs with local characteristics, and New Year's celebrations contributed to creating a positive impression, spreading the image of Da Nang - Hoi An as a hospitable, safe, and culturally rich destination.
According to information from Da Nang International Airport and Chu Lai Airport, during the 2026 New Year holiday (from December 30, 2025 to January 4, 2026), the total number of flights to the city is estimated at 831, including 464 domestic and 367 international flights, an increase of approximately 13.9% compared to the same period in 2025. The total number of passengers passing through the airports during this period is expected to reach over 125,000.
Alongside activities at the airports, a grand welcoming ceremony for the first group of tourists in 2026 was held in Hoi An Ancient Town at the Japanese Bridge – a symbol of the heritage city. Visitors enjoyed traditional art performances, cultural exchanges, and received souvenirs before exploring and experiencing the ancient and peaceful atmosphere of Hoi An during the first days of the new year.
According to the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the simultaneous organization of activities to welcome tourists at the airport and key tourist destinations not only creates a vibrant atmosphere for the start of the new year, but also demonstrates the city's tourism industry's determination to improve service quality and build an image of an attractive, safe, and friendly destination.
It is projected that in 2026, Da Nang will serve approximately 19.1 million tourists, including 8.7 million international visitors; total tourism revenue is estimated at nearly 70,000 billion VND, thereby making a significant contribution to socio-economic growth and creating momentum for the development of many other industries and sectors.
Source: https://cand.com.vn/Xa-hoi/don-khach-du-lich-xong-dat-dau-nam-2026-i792934/
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