new opportunities and challenges

On January 7th, a workshop titled "Promoting Vietnam-India Tourism " was held at the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies, attracting many important guests such as the Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, Sandeep Arya, and leading experts in the field. The workshop aimed to find solutions to promote the tourism industry of both countries.

Experts discuss opportunities for tourism development at the event. Photo: Tung Lam

Cooperation between Vietnam and India has developed strongly in many fields, especially economics , culture, and defense. The two countries share a long-standing cultural and religious foundation, with Buddhism playing a crucial bridging role. India is currently a key strategic partner of Vietnam in South Asia, with numerous cooperation projects in technology, energy, tourism, and education. Tourism stands out as a promising sector, with sacred sites such as Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinara. These destinations hold great appeal for Vietnamese Buddhists. Furthermore, India is renowned for yoga and meditation, offering opportunities for healing tourism.

The current state of tourism development between Vietnam and India.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Xuan Trung, Director of the Institute for South Asia, West Asia and Africa Studies, stated that tourism between the two countries has significantly improved after the Covid-19 pandemic. The reopening of direct flights and the participation of many airlines have facilitated travel for tourists. However, he emphasized that the number of tourists is still not commensurate with the enormous potential of both countries, and tourism resources have not yet been effectively exploited. The mechanisms, policies, and approaches of tourism businesses are still inadequate, leading to a failure to fully utilize cultural and human resources to create a competitive advantage.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Xuan Trung, Director of the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies, speaks at the event. Photo: Tung Lam.

Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya stated that the number of tourists from this South Asian country visiting Vietnam is rapidly increasing, estimated to reach over 500,000 by 2024, a 30% increase compared to the past three years. The number of Vietnamese tourists visiting India has also increased by approximately 32% compared to 2002, reaching 57,000 in 2023. He affirmed that senior leaders of both countries highly appreciate the potential for tourism cooperation and are committed to promoting this sector.

Expanding air connectivity and visa mechanisms.

Currently, there are 56 direct flights between Vietnam and India, and according to some sources, an additional 14 flights are expected, connecting six Indian cities with Vietnam. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines , Vietjet, and Indigo are actively expanding direct routes.

Regarding the visa mechanism, Ambassador Sandeep Arya stated that the e-visa system is working effectively, with the number of visas and tourists increasing compared to the previous year. He suggested that more measures should be implemented to diversify tourism products, combining commercial, cultural, and spiritual activities to attract tourists. He also expressed his desire for more articles and scientific studies on India-Vietnam tourism and pledged his readiness to support research and communication activities to promote tourism in both countries.

Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya highly appreciated the tourism potential of the two countries. Photo: Tung Lam

Mr. Ton Sinh Thanh, former Vietnamese Ambassador to India, stated that the number of Indian tourists visiting Vietnam is increasing rapidly, reaching a growth rate of approximately 2.3 times compared to 2019, far surpassing other markets such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. In the Top 20 largest international tourist markets to Vietnam in 2024, India ranks third, after South Korea and China. The recovery rate of the Indian market after the Covid-19 pandemic is very impressive, reaching nearly 297% compared to 2019.

Challenges and solutions

Despite its many advantages, tourism in India still faces some limitations such as littering, pollution, and a lack of safe drinking water in some areas. Scams occur in some areas, especially in crowded tourist spots. Personal safety, particularly for female tourists, is also a concern. The significant differences in customs, traditions, and the spicy, flavorful Indian cuisine may make it difficult for many Vietnamese tourists to adapt.

Delegates participating in the event pose for a commemorative photo. Photo: Tung Lam

Faced with these challenges, experts have proposed several solutions such as: opening more direct flights, cooperating with airlines to facilitate travel for tourists; considering visa exemption for Indian visitors and simplifying entry procedures; and organizing tourism events and fairs. In addition, localities need to upgrade infrastructure and develop products and services that suit Indian culture, especially MICE tourism – a type of tourism combining conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and weddings.

India is a promising destination for Vietnamese tourists due to its cultural diversity, history, and spiritual values. Experts expect that with the proposed solutions and close coordination among relevant parties, the Vietnam-India tourism market can develop strongly, contributing to strengthening bilateral cooperation and bringing economic and cultural value to both countries.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/thuc-day-hop-tac-du-lich-viet-nam-an-do-co-hoi-va-thach-thuc-moi.html