Vietnam boosts tourism promotion efforts in India

THE HANOI TIMES — A tourism promotion program aimed at introducing Vietnam’s travel offerings and fostering stronger tourism cooperation between Vietnam and India was held in Bengaluru, India, on September 5.

The event attracted the participation of tourism departments of  Hanoi, Quang Ninh, and Lang Son, along with 29 Vietnamese and Indian tourism enterprises.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote Vietnamese tourism in high-potential international markets.

Speaking at the event, Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), emphasized the significance of India as an emerging source market with great potential.

He said this event is a milestone in strengthening tourism exchanges between the two countries. The business-to-business (B2B) format has drawn substantial interest from travel companies, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration.

“We encourage Vietnamese firms to continue developing diverse, sustainable tourism products tailored to the expectations of Indian travelers, particularly in areas such as coastal tourism, cultural heritage, urban experiences, and immersive activities,” said Thuy.

The B2B platform served as a networking forum for Vietnamese and Indian companies to explore cooperation opportunities. Alongside business discussions, a variety of promotional materials and information about Vietnam’s tourism products, services, and destinations were shared with Indian partners.

Vietnam showcased a wide array of travel offerings to cater to Indian tastes, including island getaways in Phu Quoc, Khanh Hoa and Danang; cultural and natural explorations in Sapa, Tuyen Quang, and the Mekong Delta; and iconic heritage destinations such as  Hanoi, Hue, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay.

The country’s vibrant culinary scene, which includes vegetarian and Hindu-friendly cuisine, was also highlighted.

High-end tourism products such as golf tours, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), wedding and wellness tourism, and luxury city experiences in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Danang were presented as key attractions for Indian visitors seeking premium services.

Adding to the cultural exchange, the program featured traditional Vietnamese music and dance performances, highlighting the richness of Vietnam’s cultural heritage through instruments such as the flute, erhu, monochord, Klonput, and T’rung. These performances were delivered by artists from the Vietnam National Music Song and Dance Theatre.

In light of the global tourism industry’s recovery, Vietnam is placing a strategic focus on diversifying its international markets. India, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a rapidly expanding middle and upper class, represents a major opportunity. Indian travelers are increasingly seeking new, safe, culturally enriching destinations - preferences that align closely with Vietnam’s tourism offerings.

According to official data, Vietnam welcomed over 501,000 Indian visitors in 2024. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, more than 387,000 Indian tourists visited Vietnam, a year-on-year increase of 42.5%. India currently ranks among the top 10 source markets for Vietnamese tourism.

These impressive figures underscore the vast growth potential of the Indian market. With enhanced connectivity, tailored tourism products, and continued promotional efforts, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a preferred destination for Indian travelers in the years to come.