HCM CITY - Ho Chi Minh City has proposed financial support of up to VND1 billion, about US$38,000, for each qualifying night-tourism model under a draft package aimed at expanding the city’s tourism products and visitor spending.
Under the proposal, the city would cover up to 50% of eligible initial investment costs for night-tourism models, capped at VND1 billion per model.
The draft support mechanism covers expenses tied to initial operations, including upgrades to business spaces, payment technology, branding and products designed specifically for nighttime hours.
Night-tourism models would cover activities operating between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. on designated streets or within clearly defined areas. Operators would also need plans covering security, fire prevention, environmental sanitation and noise management. Public lighting, public security and sanitation costs that fall under government responsibility would not qualify for the subsidy.
The city collected public feedback on the draft from Aug. 13 through Aug. 27. Eligible recipients include businesses, cooperatives, cooperative groups and household businesses directly developing tourism services and products, as well as organisations managing community-tourism destinations.
The draft also proposes support for water-based tourism, weekend service chains and events, new tourism products, green and digital upgrades, and community and rural tourism. Water-tourism operators, for example, could receive up to 50% of eligible upgrade costs, capped at VND500 million per vessel.
The proposal is aimed at creating new tourism products, extending visitor stays and increasing tourist spending, while giving businesses and communities more support to invest in new models.
HCM City already has river cruises, water buses, double-decker night tours, pedestrian streets, cultural performances and food districts, but tourism businesses have continued to call for more structured after-dark products that can keep visitors engaged beyond conventional sightseeing hours.
Vietravel Tourism Chairman Nguyễn Quốc Kỳ made that point while discussing HCM City’s broader night economy on Aug. 30.
“We’ve only managed to create spontaneous ‘nighttime activities’ and haven’t yet developed truly meaningful ‘nighttime products,’” Kỳ said.
