Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh speaks at the tourism gala (Source: VNA)The first Vietnam tourism gala themed “Charming Vietnam-Destination for Indian Tourists” took place in Chandigarh, the capital city of the three northern Indian states of Punjab, Haryana and Humachal Pradesh, on August 10.
Jointly held by the Vietnamese Embassy and two domestic travel agents, Vidotour and Victoria Tour, the event attracted around 100 representatives of Indian travel agents and news reporters.
Vietnamese Ambassador Ton Sinh Thanh emphasised that the event took place as Vietnam marks its 70th National Day. With many socio-economic achievements, the country has become an attractive destination for foreign visitors.
The ambassador briefed participants on friendly traditional bilateral relations and strategic partnerships in recent times, adding that bilateral trade, investment and tourism exchanges have developed strongly.
The number of Indian tourists to Vietnam has grown around 50 percent annually over the last seven years from 12,000 visitors in 2007 to 55,000 in 2014 and is expected to reach 75,000 this year.
However, tourism exchanges are still far below the two sides’ potential. Currently, the number of Indian visitors makes up only 0.07 percent of the total number of foreign arrivals to Vietnam and 0.03% of Indian outbound tourists.
Ambassador Thanh pledged to create a niche for Indian visitors to Vietnam.
On the occasion, Vido Tour and Victoria Tour introduced Vietnam’s attractive destinations, tours, promotional services and programmes and sought cooperation opportunities with Indian partners.
After Chandigarh, similar events are scheduled to be held in northwest Indian localities with one in Jaipur city on August 12 and another in Ahmedabad city on August 14.-VNA
