VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh meeting up with Interim Chief Representative of Mastercard Vietnam Sharad Jain (Photo: TITC)

The discussion came at a meaningful time, as Vietnam’s tourism industry continues to experience a strong rebound following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, the country has achieved remarkable results in both international arrivals and domestic travel. According to Mastercard’s data, Vietnam ranks among the top-performing countries in Southeast Asia in terms of post-pandemic recovery. Major source markets such as South Korea, China, India, and Australia are witnessing rapid growth, with international visitors returning to popular destinations including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Ha Long, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang. These cities have consistently recorded high levels of tourist spending, demonstrating Vietnam’s attractiveness and growing competitiveness in the regional tourism market.

During the meeting, Mr. Sharad Jain expressed his appreciation to VNAT’s leadership for the opportunity to strengthen dialogue between the two sides. He noted that Mastercard, as a global leader in payment technology, possesses valuable data and analytical tools that can support VNAT in its efforts to improve marketing strategies and tourism promotion. “Using analytical data on the characteristics, demands, and spending habits of tourists for accommodation, transportation, shopping, entertainment, and dining can help us better understand the behavior of international visitors to Vietnam,” said Mr. Jain. “This information will allow tourism authorities and businesses to design more tailored strategies, enhance visitor experiences, and ultimately attract a greater number of travelers from around the world.”

Mr. Jain further emphasized Mastercard’s commitment to assisting Vietnam in leveraging technology and data-driven insights to build a smarter, more sustainable tourism ecosystem. By analyzing spending patterns and travel preferences, Mastercard can help VNAT identify high-value markets, optimize destination marketing campaigns, and develop targeted promotional activities in international markets.

Interim Chief Representative of Mastercard Vietnam Sharad Jain speaking at the meeting (Photo: TITC)

Mastercard representative presenting the potential and strengths of Mastercard (Photo: TITC)

Welcoming the Mastercard delegation, VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh expressed appreciation for the corporation’s interest and readiness to cooperate. He stated that as a leading global corporation with extensive expertise in finance, technology, and marketing, Mastercard could play a significant role in strengthening Vietnam’s tourism promotion efforts. According to Mr. Khanh, one of the most important missions of Vietnam’s tourism industry is to introduce the country’s image, cultural heritage, and hospitality to the world. “Providing accurate and inspiring information to international travelers is essential,” he said. “It helps them learn about Vietnam, make informed travel choices, and become ambassadors for our country’s tourism once they return home.”

VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh speaking at the meeting (Photo: TITC)

Chairman Khanh also pointed out that while famous beach destinations such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang remain highly popular among international tourists, there is a growing interest in discovering lesser-known places across Vietnam. These emerging destinations, including mountainous regions, cultural heritage sites, and eco-tourism areas, offer unique experiences that appeal to modern travelers seeking authenticity and sustainability. Thus, cooperation with a global brand like Mastercard could help promote these destinations more effectively to international audiences.

At the meeting, Mastercard’s representatives presented the company’s global capabilities and strengths in finance, marketing, and partnership building. They emphasized Mastercard’s ability to connect with international partners, support marketing campaigns, and deliver innovative digital solutions to improve tourist experiences. Mastercard reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with VNAT in implementing initiatives that align with Vietnam’s national tourism development goals.

Among the proposed areas of cooperation are conducting market research to understand traveler behaviors and trends, supporting tourism promotion activities both domestically and abroad, organizing seminars and discussions on tourism development, and enhancing digital media campaigns to promote Vietnam as a must-visit destination. Additionally, Mastercard aims to assist in applying advanced technologies, such as data analytics, digital payment solutions, and marketing intelligence, to improve the overall travel experience for visitors.

Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh welcomed these proposals, highlighting their practicality and long-term benefits for Vietnam’s tourism industry. “Mastercard is a globally reputable corporation providing solutions in finance, technology, and communications. Vietnam, on the other hand, is a rising star in global tourism, known for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and friendly people,” he said. “The cooperation between VNAT and Mastercard will mark a new milestone for Vietnam’s tourism development. It will open new opportunities for innovation, enhance our global image, and help Vietnam reach its goal of becoming a leading destination in the Asia-Pacific region.”

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism about future collaboration. VNAT and Mastercard agreed to maintain close coordination to turn the discussed ideas into concrete projects. Leaders from both organizations took commemorative photos, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a fruitful partnership.

This partnership reflects Vietnam’s broader vision to modernize its tourism industry through digital transformation and international cooperation. As global travel continues to evolve, such collaborations between government agencies and private corporations are crucial for building resilience, innovation, and sustainability in tourism. With Mastercard’s analytical expertise and VNAT’s strategic direction, Vietnam’s tourism sector is well-positioned to continue its impressive growth trajectory and attract more international travelers in the years ahead.

Overview of the meeting (Photo: TITC)

Leaders of both sides taking souvenir photo (Photo: TITC)

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