Continued rebound in international visitation in HCMC, leading to high occupancy rates in Q1 2025

•  In Q1 2025, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 1.6 million international tourists, marking a substantial 18.0% y-o-y increase. The domestic market showed more modest growth, with 8.5 million visitors representing a 6.3% y-o-y rise.
• The market continued to improve post-COVID, reflecting the recovery in tourist arrivals and leading to high occupancy rate.

No new supply in Q1 with a limited new supply landscape expected for 2025

• HCMC’s hotel market experienced a muted period in Q1, beside temporary closure of 105 rooms in the 5-star Sheraton in District 1 for renovation.
• 2025 is expected to remain a quiet period for hotel supply in HCMC, with about 353 new rooms anticipated, similar to the new supply in 2023 and 2024. The most notable project is the AVANI Saigon Upscale hotel in the Grand Manhattan complex, a prestigious mixed-use luxury complex in District 1.

Increased RevPAR performance while investment market faces persistent challenge

• ADR performance growth remained strong q-o-q and y-o-y, aligning with tourist arrivals despite a cost-cutting trend among tourists. Improved occupancy rates and ADR led to the rising stage of RevPAR in HCMC’s market in Q1 2025.
• HCMC’s investment landscape continues to draw significant attention, especially from Asian financiers and private wealth groups. Nevertheless, deal activity remains constrained due to intricate ownership structures, legislative hurdles, and protracted bargaining procedures.

Outlook: Tourism recovery expected thanks to positive infrastructure improvements

• HCMC aims to attract 8.5 million foreign and 45 million local travelers in 2025, forecasting USD 10.3 billion in tourist expenditure. This expansion is bolstered by enhancements to urban facilities, notably the upcoming inauguration of Tan Son Nhat Airport’s additional Terminal 3 in the following quarter, which will elevate passenger throughput to 50 million per year.
• The hotel market is expected to gradually increase occupancy rates and witness slight ADR adjustments throughout 2025. This growth trajectory is likely to continue in the short to medium term, fueled by robust tourist arrivals rebound and constrained new supply pipeline.