Many popular shopping spots in HCM City have still attracted a modest number of tourists despite being open for nearly two months following the long suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to an owner of a cosmetic shop at Ben Thanh Market, her revenue dropped by 80-90% because of the Covid-19 pandemic. These days, the shop is often closed at 3 pm instead of at 6-7 previously.

Ben Thanh Market in HCM City receives few customers

“Despite the social distancing regulation ending, my shop has attracted a small number of customers,” she added.

Lots of shop owners at An Dong Market in District 5 are in the same situation. Dang Hung’s clothes shop now does not hire any assistant to save costs; as his shop revenue dropped by up to 90%.

Traders at Ben Thanh and An Dong Market are struggling to cover the shop rental to wait for the return of international visitors.

This month, HCM City has rolled out tourism activities to lure domestic travellers, including visits to revolutionary historical sites.

According to the HCM City Department of Tourism, HCM City served 1.3 million tourists during the first five months of this year, down 63.17% on-year, including 602,437 foreigners.

The city’s tourism sector pulled in total revenue of VND27 trillion (USD1.17 billion), down 52.1% on-year.