Vietnam’s southern largest economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City introduced its tourism potential and products to Indian visitors at workshop in New Delhi on February 24.
A festival at the Suoi Tien theme park in HCM City (Photo: VNA)
New Delhi (VNA) – Vietnam’s southern largesteconomic hub of Ho Chi Minh City introduced its tourism potential and productsto Indian visitors at workshop in New Delhi on February 24.
The function attracted many Vietnamese travelcompanies such as Saigontourist, Transviet, Indochina Travel, Vietmark,Victoria Tour and Emega, along with a number of Indian tour operators and mediaoutlets.
Tran Quang Tuyen, an envoy of the Vietnamese Embassyin India, said Vietnam attracted 10 million foreign tourists in 2016, ayear-on-year increase of 26 percent.
He partly attributed the growth to the fact thatVietnam is home to many UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites and the countryboasts a diverse culture, beautiful beaches, imposing mountains, and hospitablepeople.
Vietnam is able to satisfy all tourists who comehere to enjoy leisure, go shopping, explore local cuisine, organise weddings, orparticipate in business workshops, he said, adding that Indian travelers canvisit well-preserved historical relic sites or Indian-style restaurants in manybig cities of Vietnam.
The number of Indian tourists to Vietnam surgedfrom 16,000 in 2010 to about 90,000 in 2016 and HCM City is one of the mostattractive destinations for Indian holidaymakers as more than 51,500 Indianstoured the southern city last year, Tuyen noted.
However, Indian visitors to Vietnam accounts foronly 2-3 percent of the total number of Indian tourists to ASEAN countries andis much lower than the 20 million Indians going on overseas holidays each year,he added.
At the workshop, travel firms from HCM Cityintroduced their best tourism products and fielded questions raised byparticipants.
Nguyen Tri Vien, Chief of the Office of the HCMCity Tourism Department, said India is a potential market and the city’senterprises are working to provide new and interesting tourism services toattract more Indian visitors.
Earlier, the HCM City delegation also attendedthe Outbound Travel Mart held in Mumbai city, where it introduced new tourismproducts and investment attraction policies of HCM City and Vietnam as well.-VNA
The HCM City tourism sector has made good preparations this year to attract international visitors but more new attractions are needed for them to succeed.
The HCM City Tourism Association has sought the continuation of an existing visa waiver for citizens of five Western European countries and the addition of India and Australia to the list.
HCM City’s Department of Tourism will focus on developing and marketing destinations to increase the number of foreign arrivals to the city to six million this year, officials have said.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
A festival at the Suoi Tien theme park in HCM City (Photo: VNA) 
