To that end, a conference to promote Vietnam-India tourism andaviation collaboration will be held in Hanoi on November 29 with theparticipation of 22 Indian leading tourism agencies and journalists,Hung said at a press conference on November 21.
Theconference is held in the framework of a Farm Tour hosted by the VNATand designed for the Indian market, which will take place fromNovember 23–29, he added.
The official outlinedseveral measures to enhance tourism and aviation links between the twocountries, such as inviting more Indian travel agencies and journaliststo Vietnam for market study and increasing promotion activities inIndia.
Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Preeti Saranshared that most of Indian travelers favour cultural and historicalsites, especially those related to Buddhism and Hinduism. Therefore, theworld cultural heritage site of My Son in central Quang Nam provinceand ancient pagodas are attractive destinations to Indianholiday-makers.
She suggested the Vietnamese tourismsector strengthen the promotion of its cuisine among Indian tourists asVietnam has a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits that meet the taste ofIndians, particularly vegetarians.
The diplomat also proposed paying attention to visa policies and price competitiveness with Thailand and Cambodia.
At present 10,000 Indian tourists come to Vietnam every year due tothe lack of information on Vietnamese tourism and a direct air routebetween the two countries.
However, on November 5,India’s Jet Airways launched direct routes between New Delhi and Mumbaiand Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air also have plansto run direct flights to India’s localities. The opening of directflights is expected to help foster the two countries’ tourism ties.-VNA