(VOV) – The number of visitors to Ho Chi Minh city shot up in the new year.

The Vietravel tourism company received 35,000 visitors in the first 9 days of the lunar new year, 25 percent more than last year. The Saigontourist company served 20,000 visitors, 15 percent more than last year. Nguyen The Vinh is Vice Director of Saigontourist: "The company has implemented promotion programs and talked to passengers at cruise ship fairs in the US, Europe and Asia. Our company welcomes tourists from the US and Europe on two big Costa and Star Cruise vessels every year".