The European Business Association recommends that Vietnam exempt visas for visitors from the European Union (EU), because this group has high spending power and long stays.
The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam) announced on July 17 that it had sent a petition to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Ministry of Public Security , proposing to include all 27 EU member countries on Vietnam's visa exemption list.
The letter received broad consensus from the European group, with the call co-signed by 18 ambassadors of EU member states in Vietnam and European business associations in Vietnam.
Foreign tourists experience the train in Hanoi . Photo: Ngoc Thanh
According to EuroCham Vietnam, Vietnam has made many efforts to simplify the visa system such as extending the validity of e-visas to 90 days, allowing multiple entries and exits since August 15, and extending the temporary stay period to 45 days for citizens of countries exempted from visas by Vietnam.
However, Mr. Gabor Fluit, Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam, emphasized that further measures are needed to fully exploit the "enormous potential of the EU-Vietnam economic relationship" and promote strong economic growth. Currently, there are 7 EU member states: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Finland on Vietnam's visa exemption list. With the aim of promoting trade and investment opportunities, EuroCham Vietnam proposed that the remaining 20 members should be exempted.
"If visa exemption is granted, Vietnam will have a large number of visitors from the EU market with more than 500 million people and high spending demand. This will open up great opportunities for Vietnam," said Mr. Gabor Fluit.
According to EuroCham Vietnam representative, European tourists are a potential group, often staying for two weeks or more. Their long stay allows them to contribute significantly to the economy and explore business prospects. This also adds value to their visit.
In addition, Vietnam also has many advantages in attracting this group of tourists. The latest report by Google Destination Insight shows that Vietnam is in the top 7 most searched tourist destinations. Vietnam is also the only Southeast Asian country to make it into the top 20. Since June, Vietnamese restaurants have also been listed in the Michelin guide. Lonely Planet has also recently recognized Vietnam's North-South railway as "the most incredible railway".
"Improvements in visa policies and the world's growing recognition and interest in Vietnam create great potential to boost economic growth and make Vietnam a top destination," said Mr. Gabor Fluit.
Tu Nguyen
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