Outbound

Vietnam tourism tests Indian waters

ETW Staff - Mumbai

A Vietnamese delegation comprising its minister of state for culture and tourism and the Consul General were in the state to promote Vietnam to the Indian market for the very first time. Talking about the visit, a representative from the ministry of culture, sports & tourism, Phung Thi Thanh Thuy said, "With diplomatic ties between the two countries improving, we are hoping to tap the tourist potential between the two countries. Vietnam has recognised that it has the potential to develop into a suitable tourist destination and has thus seriously begun investing in infrastructure. This can be judged from the statistics of inbound tourism into the country that has increased by 20-30 per cent in the past couple of years."

The government has invested US$ 4.6 billion to develop tourism in the country. Currently, China and Korea stand as the leading contributors to tourism in Vietnam. Clarence Fernandes, head, Clavin Marketing India, who will be promoting the destination to travel agents in the country, said, "This visit is more of a teaser campaign. We plan to work out FAM trips and road shows for the trade in the near future." Clavin Marketing is also exploring launching a Vietnamese specialist programme along the same lines as the recently concluded Indonesia Specialist Program in Medan. The Indian travel fraternity on their part is keen on tapping Vietnam as a new and emerging destination.

Private parties in Vietnam have taken to promoting the country as well. Patrick Gaveau, MD of Focus Asia said, "A large number of visitors into Vietnam come from Europe, but the Asian markets are catching up as well. India and Vietnam have a lot in common in terms of cultural and culinary tastes." He added that Focus Asia was exploring the possibility of setting up a Vietnamese representative office in Australia and one in India. Meanwhile, the government of Vietnam also plans to work out special air packages with Air India and Thai Airways.