Ho Chi Minh City is considering a plan to open several museums during evening hours as part of a broader effort to diversify tourism offerings and promote the development of the night economy, according to the city’s Department of Tourism.

Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, director of the department, presented the proposal during a meeting with tourism businesses on Tuesday.

She said the night-time museum openings would include cultural programming such as traditional ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long gown) fashion shows and other local performances designed to enhance the visitor experience.

“This is part of the city’s broader strategy to expand the night-time economy, promote related service industries, and enhance Ho Chi Minh City’s competitiveness on the global tourism map,” Hoa said at the meeting.

The department is coordinating with other agencies to organize traditional performances at major tourism events.

Other initiatives includes featuring hat boi, or classical Vietnamese opera, during the city’s tourism festival.

Officials say the development of night-time tourism products is intended to encourage longer visitor stays, increase spending, and highlight the city’s cultural heritage.

Ho Chi Minh City has set 2024 targets of 8.5 million international visitors, 45 million domestic tourists, and VND260 trillion (US$10.1 billion) in tourism revenue.

The Department of Tourism is also working to expand river-based tourism, particularly waterway experiences after dark.

Hoa said her department has proposed accelerating riverfront development to city leaders to support new tourism products, including riverside walking tours and expanded boat services.

The Department of Transport has agreed to the proposal and is reviewing potential investment options.

Officials also raised concerns about environmental conditions along the canals, noting the need for improved waste management.

Hoa said her department will work with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to address sanitation issues and maintain a clean and welcoming environment.

She added that the tourism department has asked the District 1 People’s Committee to help resolve waste concerns along canal areas and is collaborating with environmental agencies on long-term solutions.

The department emphasized that sustainable tourism growth requires the cooperation of local businesses.

Hoa said companies are being encouraged to support citywide promotional efforts, display the municipal tourism logo, and raise service standards to meet visitor expectations.

In the year ahead, the Department of Tourism plans to continue offering programs to stimulate travel demand and improve the overall quality of destinations across the city.

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