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Deputy head of the VNAT Ngo Hoai Chung said Vietnam and India have seen important developments in tourism cooperation in recent years as well as the bilateral growing comprehensive strategic partnership and traditional friendship.
A myriad of tourism promotion activities have been carried out effectively within the framework of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, he said.
Vietnam has become a popular destination for Indian tourists, while India is one of the most favourable places for Vietnamese people.
During the visit to Vietnam by Indian President Narendra Modi in September 2016, the two sides mentioned the bilateral cooperation in tourism.
Chung said Vietnam defines India as a priority tourism market. Therefore, the Southeast Asian country has launched a number of activities to explore this market, promote tourism products and services, and engage in trade fairs and exhibitions.
The VNAT has coordinated with the two countries’ embassies and businesses to organise tourism, aviation and cinema cooperation conferences as well as receive Indian film makers in Vietnam to share experience in creating new products.
He affirmed that Vietnam is a stable and peaceful country with growing economy, ecological diversity and beautiful landscapes. The country boasts a coastline of over 3,200km with poetic beaches as well as unique culture and world cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO. Vietnamese people are friendly and hospitable.
At the programme, businesses exchanged cooperation opportunities. India’s travel companies showed their interest in Vietnam’s tourism market, which holds a lot of untapped potentials.
A similar event will be held in Mumbai, one of the most dynamic cities in India.
According to India’s Ministry of Tourism, the number of Indian tourists to Vietnam increased to 85,000 in 2016 from 33,000 in 2010.
During his working trip to India, Chung had a working session with the Indian ministry on December 11, to exchange tourism cooperation between the two countries in recent time.
He proposed India facilitate the early launch of a direct air route with Vietnam while enhancing tourism promotion activities and embracing links among travel companies.
For his part, Satyajeet Rajan, Director General at the Ministry of Tourism said he hopes the two sides will expand cooperation in education-training and human resources development.
He agreed with the proposal of establishing a direct air route between the two countries to increase the number of holidaymakers to the respective countries.
