of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vietnamese We held a seminarVietnam tourism: possibilities and opportunities” was held in Paris, French Republic to promote Vietnamese tourism in French and European markets.

The seminar was attended by Mr. HE.Nguyen Van HungMinister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST). Mr. HE.Dinh Toan Tan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Republic of France.Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh,chairman Vietnam National Tourism Board (VNAT); representatives from French agencies and organizations, companies and partners in the travel and tourism industry in France and Europe.representative of Vee label, Vietnam Airlines.

In his opening remarks, VNAT Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh said:This event demonstrates the efforts and determination of Vietnamese and French government agencies and enterprises to actively promote the development of multifaceted relations between the two countries. ”

As a country rich in natural and human potential and with many typical and unique products, Vietnam has many advantages for tourism development. Cultural heritage tourism, ecotourism, beautiful landscapes, beaches, friendliness, hospitality, hardworking sea and island tourism of 54 ethnic groups are focused on leveraging sustainable tourism development. In particular, Vietnam has 8 cultural and natural heritage sites, 15 intangible cultural heritage sites, 9 documentary heritage sites, and 3 global geoparks, all of which are recognized as world heritage sites. UNESCO. Many destinations and tourism products are ranked among the top in the world by trusted travel consulting and review websites and networks. world travel awards, trip advisor, telegraph or major media agencies, etc. CNNand BBC.

For many years, the European Union has been an important economic partner of Vietnam, and Vietnam is one of the Asian countries with the most comprehensive and extensive relations, and the only ASEAN country whose all pillars are cooperation with the European Union. . Regarding the tourism sector, the European Union is a traditional market for Vietnamese tourism, with 2.17 million tourist arrivals in 2019, accounting for 12% of the total number of foreign tourists to Vietnam. Among them, French visitors to Vietnam reached 290,000, an increase of 3% compared to 2018, ranking second among European Union member Vietnam’s largest tourist source markets. Currently, more than 300,000 Vietnamese people live and work in France, many of whom have advanced professional qualifications and are excellent professionals, actively contributing to the prosperous development of the French Republic. .

VNAT Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh reflected on the status of tourism development cooperation between Vietnam and France, and said that recently, the tourism sectors of both countries have carried out many cooperative activities, creating the following favorable conditions for tourism exchanges. He said there was. Protocol for Implementing the Tourism Cooperation Agreement of 1996 and 2005. Basic agreement on tourism cooperation in 2018. Vietnam Airlines and Air France operate direct flights between major cities and tourist centers in both countries. Vietnam Tourism Board is actively promoting tourism in France. We plan field trips, sightseeing roadshows, participate in the IFTM Topresa International & French Travel Market, and engage in other activities to promote tourist exchange between the two countries. The Vietnamese government has exempted French citizens from visa requirements for traveling to Vietnam since 2015, and extended the temporary stay period for French nationals to 45 days from August 15, 2023.

VNAT Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh emphasized that convenient direct flights, easy immigration procedures, attractive destinations, tourism products and warm and hospitable people are ideal conditions to promote tourism development between the two countries. did.

Over the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe and direct impact on global tourism in general, including tourism in France and Vietnam. So far, once the pandemic has been brought under control, both countries have resumed all tourism activities and organized activities towards the recovery of tourism development. The seminar to introduce Vietnamese tourism is a good opportunity for Vietnamese and French tourism enterprises to share information, move towards business cooperation, and develop interactive tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic.

VNAT Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh said that events and other programs to introduce Vietnam’s unique culture and art, various communication activities and tourism exchanges between the two countries will be promoted, and the strong friendship between Vietnam and France will be deepened. I believe that tourism exchanges between the two countries will be promoted. .

At the seminar, participants heard an overview of Vietnam’s tourism development status. Tourism services for foreign tourists. System for tourist accommodations, overseas travel agencies, and tour guides. Won prestigious international titles and awards in Vietnam tourism. Delegates were also updated on Vietnam’s new visa and immigration policy with favorable conditions to attract foreign tourists to Vietnam. In particular, the Vietnamese delegation will introduce Vietnam’s unique and outstanding products to international delegations and companies, including island and sea tourism, cultural heritage tourism, natural ecological tourism, urban tourism, gourmet tourism, golf tourism, and wellness tourism. Did.

M.S. Marie-Hélène VincentRepresentatives of Vietnam Airlines in France introduced the products, services and aviation network of Vietnam’s national carrier. M.S. Le Yi Lin, branch manager of Vietravel Corp in France and chairman of Vietnam Tourism and Culture Promotion Association in France and Europe, introduced products, services and tour programs suitable for the French and European markets.Mr. Alan NguyenChairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Chefs Association and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Restaurant Association, introduced Vietnam’s unique food culture, which is a powerful form of Vietnamese tourism.

As part of the event, a cooperation signing ceremony between associations, tourism companies and airlines was held.