VNAT’s Vice Chairman Pham Van Thuy at the Roadshow

Mr. Pham Van Thuy, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), together with leaders, delegates, and representatives from 31 tourism agencies and organizations nationwide, and 28 travel businesses, attended the Vietnam Tourism Roadshow. The event aimed to introduce Vietnam’s destinations, tourism products, and unique services to the Indian market, thereby strengthening Vietnam’s presence, fostering business connections, boosting tourist exchanges, and expanding bilateral cooperation. This activity forms part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s 2025 Tourism Promotion and Stimulation Programme, which contributes to the goal of welcoming 25 million international arrivals.

VNAT’s Vice Chairman Pham Van Thuy speaking at the Roadshow

In his remarks, VNAT’s Vice Chairman Pham Van Thuy highlighted India’s long history, its role as the birthplace of many major religions, particularly Buddhism and its globally recognized cultural heritage. He emphasized that since 2016, when Vietnam and India established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, India has been not only a close friend but also a trusted partner across many fields, including tourism.

Tourism has become a vital channel to enhance mutual understanding between the two nations. In 2024, Vietnam welcomed 501,427 Indian visitor arrivals, nearly triple the number in 2019. In the first seven months of 2025, Vietnam received 387,117 Indian arrivals, up 42.5% year-on-year. Since 2022, India has consistently ranked among the top 10 international markets searching for Vietnam Tourism online. These figures underscore Vietnam’s growing appeal and the sector’s significant cooperation potential.

Traditional Vietnamese art performances featuring unique pieces with the flute, two-string fiddle, pipa, monochord, Klonput, and T’rưng.

The Roadshow featured traditional Vietnamese art performances with instruments such as the flute, two-string fiddle, pipa, monochord, Klonput, and T’rung, leaving a strong impression on audiences.

Vietnam is among Southeast Asia’s premier destinations, offering rich natural landscapes, a unique cultural identity, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Trang An Landscape Complex, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Ho Dynasty Citadel, the Complex of Hue Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town, and My Son Sanctuary. With more than 3,000 km of coastline, world-class resorts, diverse accommodations, and a wide range of entertainment facilities, Vietnam appeals strongly to international travelers. Its offerings from luxury beach resorts and MICE tourism to weddings, cultural-spiritual journeys, and Buddhist heritage tours are particularly attractive to Indian visitors.

Vietnam Tourism Roadshow in Bengaluru, India

Vietnamese cuisine is also a highlight, combining long-standing tradition. Destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Long, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City offer an increasingly wide range of Indian restaurants, enriching the culinary experience for Indian guests while creating a sense of familiarity.

To facilitate travel, Vietnam has introduced e-visa policy allowing stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple entries. Expanded direct flight connections between major cities in both countries, coupled with Vietnam’s safe, welcoming environment and warm hospitality, ensure memorable journeys for visitors.

The Roadshow also created a platform for business cooperation. Over 150 representatives from tourism enterprises, travel agencies, hotels, airlines, transport companies, and theme parks from both nations engaged in B2B networking to showcase products, explore opportunities, and develop customized packages for the Indian market.

Tourism enterprises, travel agencies, hotels, airlines, transport companies, and theme parks from both nations engaged in B2B networking

Vietnamese Ambassador to India, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, commended the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for selecting Bengaluru as the host city and for the timely organization of the programme shortly after the launch of the new direct flight route between Vietnam and India, an initiative warmly welcomed by the business community.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai speaking at the Roadshow

Within the framework of the event, Vietnam promoted key international events and festivals such as ITE HCMC, VITM Hanoi, the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, Da Lat Flower Festival, Hue Four Seasons Festival, and Visit Vietnam Year. A diverse portfolio of products was also presented, ranging from island resorts, adventure tourism, and vegetarian/Hindu-friendly cuisine to cultural and heritage travel, golf, MICE, wedding tourism, wellness, and modern urban experiences.

B2B networking

VNAT’s Vice Chairman Pham Van Thuy taking photo

VNAT’s Vice Chairman Pham Van Thuy expressed confidence that, with the strong support of both governments, management agencies, embassies, and the business community, tourism will soon become one of the most dynamic areas of cooperation within the Vietnam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

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