New Delhi (VNA) – A destination that is capturing the interest of Indians like no other is Vietnam, said the Economic Times, a leading business newspaper of India.
Outbound travel bookings to Vietnam for some companies are up 500% this year compared to 2019, and travel companies and carriers are looking to offer more options and boost capacity, the newspaper said.
It quoted the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism as saying that there were 392,000 Indian visitors to Vietnam in 2023, an over-three-fold increase from 2019.
Rajeev Kale, president and country head for holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook of India, said the 500% increase in outbound travel from India to Vietnam can be attributed to improved flight connectivity, frictionless travel due to e-visas, and the influence of social media. He noted that when compared to other Southeast Asian destinations, Vietnam also presents a great value proposition with truly attractive price points.
“What’s noteworthy is the appeal of Vietnam across diverse traveler segments of families, including multigenerational groups and senior citizens, as well as millennials, Gen Z, couples and groups of friends,” he said.
Recently, direct flights from Ahmedabad to Vietnam’s central Da Nang city were introduced to cater to the rising demand from this region, and looking ahead to 2025, the travel demand is forecast to continue to grow, driven by the increasing number of regional departures, he added.
Vietnamese carrier Vietjet claims since 2019, it has continually expanded its routes and direct connections to meet rising travel demand of passengers. Currently, the airline operates 68 weekly flights between Vietnam and India, connecting key Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi with Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Raj Rishi Singh, chief marketing officer and chief business officer for corporate at MakeMyTrip, said over the past year, searches for Vietnam are up 17%.
Vietnam’s affordability, combined with hassle free visa regulations and a growing number of direct flights from India, is fueling this growth among Indian tourists.
SD Nandakumar, president and country head for holidays and corporate tours at SOTC Travel, said Vietnam offers Indian travelers a treasure trove - from culture, history, cuisine, scenic vistas to multiple options for shopping.
🌱 The firm intends to showcase the yet under-leveraged locales like the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Hoi An, Sapa, and Con Dao to discerning Indian consumers, he said./.
A delegation from the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF), led by Vice President and General Secretary of the VFF Central Committee Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, is paying a working visit to India from November 7-11 to bolster the traditional friendship and multifaceted collaboration between the two nations.
Vietnamese Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai and Secretary of the Indian Department of Science and Technology Prof. Abhay Karandikar discussed ways to boost science and technology cooperation between the two countries in New Delhi on October 9.
Korean coach Kim Sang-sik has called up 27 players for training to prepare for a friendly match against India on FIFA Days in October, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) announced on October 5.
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.
