Visa exemption/reduction always goes hand in hand with flight route expansion
Mr. Nguyen Quang Trung, Head of Development Planning, Vietnam Airlines Corporation, said that Vietnam Airlines is proud to be the bridge to welcome the world to Vietnam. In the context of global competition in attracting tourists, visa policy reform is not only a key factor in developing tourism but also a lever for Vietnam to become an attractive destination for experts, talents and international tourists.
In the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam welcomed about 6 million international visitors, a positive signal, reflecting the strong recovery of international tourism to Vietnam. With this momentum, the goal of welcoming 22 - 23 million international visitors in 2025 is completely feasible if support policies, especially visa and aviation, are implemented synchronously and effectively.
However, more important than quantity is attracting high-value customers, those with high spending, long stays and high return rates. This group of customers helps increase the efficiency of aviation operations, expand the international flight network and enhance national competitiveness.
Mr. Nguyen Quang Trung proposed expanding the group of visa-free countries.
PHOTO: INDEPENDENCE
International experience shows that leading tourist countries always apply flexible visa policies along with flight network expansion strategies. In Thailand, Japan or the UAE, visa exemption/reduction always goes hand in hand with expanding flight routes, increasing flight frequency and supporting national airlines. Favorable visa policies will create demand and the aviation industry will realize that potential with specific connections.
In Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Quang Trung said, Vietnam Airlines has proactively implemented many solutions to promote international tourism, such as opening new and restoring 17 important international routes from 2024 to present, including Munich (Germany); Milan (Italy); Bengaluru, Hyderabad (India). The airline is also planning to open more routes to the Middle East and Northern Europe.
In parallel, Vietnam Airlines has expanded its products through cooperation with airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Etihad Airways. It has actively participated in major international tourism fairs such as ITB Berlin, WTM London and organized 20 specialized performances to promote Vietnam in potential markets. In early May, in preparation for the launch of a direct flight to Milan, the airline will coordinate with many partners to organize a performance in Italy, one of the potential tourism markets in Europe.
Opening visas for tourism to take off: The golden key to attracting international visitors
Willing to cooperate with Government agencies
In order for Vietnam's tourism industry to take off and become a key economic sector, Mr. Nguyen Quang Trung has proposed a number of key solutions regarding visa policy. These include expanding the group of visa-free countries, focusing on countries with large market capacity and potential for development in terms of tourists and investors.
Specifically, 20 EU countries that are not yet exempted will be added, with priority given to Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Portugal. North American countries include the US, Canada and Australia. New markets include the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Brazil.
Piloting a 12-month short-term visa exemption for countries and territories such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and India. Extending the visa exemption period to 90 days for visitors from Europe, North America and Australia and issuing long-term visas of up to 24 months for investors and experts. Simplifying e-visas, reducing processing time to less than 24 hours.
For Vietnam's tourism industry to take off and become a spearhead economic sector, opening visas is an urgent task.
PHOTO: INDEPENDENCE
In addition, the national airline wishes to coordinate with government agencies in promoting international visitors to Vietnam through solutions such as: Establishing a working group between agencies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Culture - Sports - Tourism, Ministry of Construction and Vietnam Airlines to synchronize visa policies with flight network and market development plans. This group will periodically evaluate the effectiveness of visa policies and propose adjustments.
Increase budget for international tourism promotion campaign, in which Vietnam Airlines plays a central role in introducing visa policies and Vietnam destinations on flights, at airports and at international events (such as ITB Berlin, WTM London, etc.). Integrate information on visa policies (visa exemption, e-visa, visa at the border) into Vietnam Airlines website, mobile application and in-flight entertainment screens. Coordinate with international travel agents to communicate about open visa policies, especially in new markets.
"The Government has set a GDP growth target of about 8% in 2025 and aims for double-digit growth in the following years, aiming to turn Vietnam into an emerging economic hub in the region. To meet this requirement, support policies need to be one step ahead, especially in terms of visas, to create a favorable foundation for airlines to expand their flight networks, improve operational efficiency and contribute positively to the common development goal. For Vietnam to truly become a tourism and investment hub in the region, we need to take drastic actions: Open visas - Connecting aviation - Tourism taking off", Mr. Nguyen Quang Trung suggested.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/de-xuat-thanh-lap-nhom-cong-tac-ve-chinh-sach-visa-185250424103055748.htm
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