Saigontourist Group receives the first-class Labor order for the second time: A 50-year journey and a new phase of transformation
English - Ngày đăng : 16:00, 29/04/2026
A half-century alongside the nation: from 236 people to a nationwide tourism ecosystem
Established in the immediate aftermath of national reunification, Saigontourist Group is widely regarded as Ho Chi Minh City’s first tourism enterprise. In 1975, it started with 236 employees, managing only a few hotels and primarily serving official delegations. Fifty years later, it has grown into a comprehensive tourism ecosystem with more than 100 member units nationwide and over 17,000 employees, operating across five core pillars: accommodation, travel services, food and beverage, entertainment, and training.
Over the decades, the Group has marked key milestones: pioneering international visitor services as early as 1979; joining the ITB international tourism fair in 1984; signing its first joint venture in 1988; founding a tourism training school in 1989; expanding hospitality and resort operations to border and island areas during 2009-2019; and serving as a major logistics backbone for Ho Chi Minh City’s Covid-19 response in 2021. In parallel, it has strengthened regional linkages and international promotion, including recurring hallmark events such as the Saigontourist Group Culinary Culture Festival.
In 2025 - the final year of its 50-year milestone - Saigontourist Group delivered double-digit growth: total revenue reached VND 16,935 billion; pre-tax profit VND 4,353 billion; state budget contributions VND 3,458 billion; and 2.034 million visitors served. These results reflect strong internal resilience and provide a solid platform for the next phase of acceleration.
The second First-Class Labor Order: honor, momentum, and renewed responsibility
At the ceremony, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan presented the First-class Labor order (second time) on behalf of the President of Vietnam. This distinction follows the Group’s recognition as a Labor Hero Collective in 2013, reaffirming its long-standing contributions to socio-economic development and Vietnam’s tourism sector. From a governance perspective, the honor also raises the bar - requiring continuous service upgrades, product renewal, and stronger competitiveness in a fast-changing market.
Within the program, the Group paid tribute to employees with over 25 years of service. Beyond a symbolic moment, the recognition highlights the company’s people-first culture - a key source of internal strength for sustained, long-term growth.
“From the early days with 236 people, Saigontourist Group has grown into an ecosystem of more than 100 units and over 17,000 employees. To ‘grow’ is to break through limitations; to ‘grow with the nation’ is to place national mission first - contributing to the budget, creating jobs, sharing Vietnamese cultural identity, and bringing Vietnam closer to the world while bringing the world closer to Vietnam.” - Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Chairwoman of the Members’ Council of Saigontourist Group.
Strategy to 2035: holistic transformation, green growth, and value-chain linkages
Speaking at the event, the Group emphasized that innovation is no longer optional but imperative. Toward 2035, Saigontourist Group is pursuing a roadmap centered on holistic transformation and sustainability: from management mindset to business models; accelerated digital transformation and smart tourism; stronger green-growth commitments; streamlined organization with higher-quality human resources; and deeper internal, regional, and international linkages to build larger value chains and enhance competitiveness.
Coinciding with the milestone, the Group rolled out customer appreciation offers across its system on April 29, 2026, including tour discounts, airfare-service vouchers, and small complimentary gifts at selected hotels and resorts. The gesture reflects a consistent approach: turning institutional pride into tangible benefits for customers - a critical driver of sustainable growth.
The 50-year chapter now closes to open a new horizon. As Ho Chi Minh City advances its role as a national hub for economy, finance, trade, and services, Saigontourist Group aims to remain a leading force shaping Vietnam’s tourism ecosystem toward a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future - while helping elevate destination competitiveness and promote Vietnam’s image globally.