Representatives from Belgian travel firms are presented with air tickets to Vietnam (Photo: VNA)
Brussels (VNA) – The tourism market of Vietnamwas introduced to Belgian travel firms during a conference in Belgium’s Anverscity on November 9.
Addressing the event, Tran Ngoc Quan, Vietnamese Trade Counselorin Belgium, updated participants on Vietnam’s new visa policies, including theapplication of e-visas on citizens from 257 countries and territories, and theextension of e-visa validity from one to three months, creating more favourableconditions for foreign tourists to Vietnam.
Iako Khomeriki, a representative of APG - the sale agent ofVietnam Airlines in Belgium, said that the Vietnamese carrier is a favouriteairline of passengers travelling to Vietnam. After COVID-19 pandemic, in June 2022, the airline resumed its flight routes to Europe with seven flightseach week on the Hanoi-Paris route and 3-4 flights on Ho Chi Minh City-Parisroute. The number of flights from Hanoi to Germany has also increased to 6-7flights per week, he said, holding that this is a good condition for Europeantourists to explore Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Asian Trails Vietnam Bui VietThuy Tien said that Vietnam is strong in MICE (meetings, incentives,conferences and exhibitions) tourism thanks to diverse tourist destinationsacross the country. Moreover, Vietnam is a convenient transit point for flightsto Laos and Cambodia, Tien said.
Representatives from Belgium travel firms affirmed that theywill continue to introduce Vietnam tourism to their customers in Belgium andEurope.
Speaking to Vietnam News Agency’s correspondent inBrussels, Tien said that after COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to resume theMICE tourism market, which has attracted great attention from Belgium visitors.
Tom Van Beek from De Buck Agency said after 20 years of presence in Vietnam, the company found that customers are satisfied with Vietnam where they canexplore many exciting things. Particularly, travelers love Vietnamese cuisine,he said.
However, he held that the greatest challenge to travelcompanies of Belgium is the lack of a direct air route connecting Belgium andVietnam. Having to take one or two transits with a duration of 17-18 hours hasmade tourists hesitate to choose Vietnam, he explained./.
Ho Chi Minh City always treasures investment from and trade with Flanders region and many other Belgian localities, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Phan Van Mai said while hosting Minister – President of the Government of the Belgian region Jan Jambon on September 14.
The Belgian Culture & Food Festival 2023 (B.Fest 2023), the third of its kind and the largest Belgian culture and food event ever hosted in Vietnam, opened in the northern port city of Hai Phong on October 6 evening as a celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1973-2023).
A Vietnam-Belgium business meeting was held in Brussels on October 18, aiming to create a chance for direct discussions and connections among enterprises of the two countries.
The Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance (VVOB) - a non-profit organisation in Belgium operating in education, received a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its operation in Vietnam.
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.
Representatives from Belgian travel firms are presented with air tickets to Vietnam (Photo: VNA) 
