Michener David William would never know he would be warmly greeted upon landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport before his arrival on Friday, as he was the six-millionth international guest to visit Ho Chi Minh City this year.

The Australian businessman was welcomed by Bui Ta Hoang Vu, director of the municipal tourism department, and officials from the Vietnam Aviation Corporation and Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Michener and two other passengers who were the city’s 5,999,999th and 6,000,001st visitors, all arriving from Melbourne on Vietnam Airlines flight VN780, also received gifts and souvenirs from the city’s representatives.

Haisman Jamesrobin, the 5,999,999th guest, said that this is his first time coming to Ho Chi Minh City and he really enjoys the unique Vietnamese culture, which is much different from what he had imagined before.

“It is a big surprise to me and I feel lucky,” Haisman said.

“I will come back and spend more time in Vietnam to enjoy its many delicious dishes.”

The six millionth visitor to Ho Chi Minh City this year, and those who came just before and after him, receive gifts at a ceremony on December 15, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

At around this time last year, Ho Chi Minh City also held a ceremony to welcome its five-millionth international visitor.

The six million international arrivals so far this year marked a huge leap and new milestone for the city’s tourism industry.

The full-year foreign tourist numbers are expected to top 6.3 million, an increase of 22.88 percent from 2016, Vu said at the ceremony.

The department is also collecting data of foreign guests such as their stay and spending habits in order to improve service quality.