BENGALURU, Mar 19 : Highlighting the significant efforts being made to promote tourism between Vietnam and India, the southeast Asian nation’s Ambassador to New Delhi Nguyen Thanh Hai said his country aims to expedite efforts to reach the milestone of one million Indian visitors annually.
He said Vietnam’s allure among Indian travelers has been steadily rising, with 392,000 Indian tourists visiting last year.
“Vietnam has witnessed a surge in visitors from India. Last year, 392,000 Indian tourists visited Vietnam. So on average, there are about 1100 Indian people who travel to Vietnam every day. We need to soon achieve 1 million Indians visiting Vietnam in a year,” he said addressing the Vietnam-India Tourism Promotion Meet here late Monday evening.
The meeting was held by the Embassy of Vietnam and the Office of Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Karnataka.
Ambassador Hai said efforts towards establishing direct flights between the two nations have borne fruit. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, there has been a significant increase in direct flights, connecting major Indian cities to Vietnam’s Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.
“We are also working hard for the direct flights between our two countries. Before Covid we have 6 direct flights. And now we have 60 direct flights operated by Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines, Indigo, Spicejet, connecting New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Tiruchirappalli to Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam,” he said.
Collaboration between civil aviation authorities is pivotal in further enhancing these connections, Ambassador Hai said. “There will be more direct flights see in this summer, and the civil aviation authorities of both countries will need to work together to increase the frequencies, the number of flights each country operates from mega-cities,” he added.
Ambassador Hai also stated that Vietnam has streamlined visa processes, with e-visas now accessible to all Indian nationals for multiple entries within three months, facilitating travel.
He said Vietnam’s appeal lies in its diversity, offering a plethora of experiences from north to south.
“Whether it’s the bustling cities, scenic coastlines, or UNESCO-recognised cultural sites, Vietnam promises a multifaceted journey. The culinary scene, featuring delicacies like pho and fresh seafood, is a standout attraction, complemented by the growing popularity of Indian restaurants within Vietnam,” he said.
Ambassador Hai said the cultural richness is showcased by a plethora of sites from ancient pagodas to traditional craft villages, which provide insights into Vietnam’s rich heritage. “Away from mainstream tourist destinations, lesser-explored areas offer a chance to connect with nature and local communities,” he said.
Ambassador Hai said affordability further enhances Vietnam’s appeal, making it an ideal destination for Indian families and budget-conscious travelers. With competitive airfares and high-quality amenities, Vietnam ensures a memorable experience without breaking the bank, he added. (UNI )
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