Travel agencies from Vietnam and Indonesia have the chance to exhibit the unique landscapes, cuisine, and tourism-related products from their respective countries at the tourism promotion event hosted by Indonesia.
Travel businesses between Vietnam and Indonesia attend the business matching session within the Indonesia-hosted event. Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn |
Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, has expressed optimism that the upcoming “Wonderful Indonesia – Sales Mission” event on April 12 will lead to an increase in the number of Vietnamese and Indonesian tourists visiting each other’s countries. He believes that this event will provide a great opportunity for the two countries to strengthen their already existing bond of friendship and foster a greater sense of cultural understanding.
He went on to say that Vietnam welcomed 2.7 million foreign visitors in the first quarter of 2023, including 21,000 Indonesians. Sieu noted that “the event has further strengthened the relationship between Vietnam and Indonesia”.
Denny Abdi, Ambassador of Indonesia to Vietnam, emphasized the value of relationships and cooperation between tourism businesses during the pandemic. He highlighted that the tourism sector is a powerful growth engine for both countries. Abdi expressed his belief that through strengthened collaboration, the tourism industry of Vietnam and Indonesia will be able to weather the current challenges posed by the pandemic.
According to the Indonesian Ambassador, the tourism industry has swiftly and adeptly adjusted its policies and strategies to the alterations in traveler behavior caused by the pandemic.
The ambassador stressed that tourism development should focus more on environmental protection, respecting local cultures, communities, and customs, and achieving a balance between mass and quality travel. This, they said, is essential to ensure the sustainability of the industry in the long run.
Currently, the country’s strategy to embrace the new trend focuses on five top-priority sites: Borobudur, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, Lake Toba, and Likupang.
He said that Indonesia is aiming to welcome 7.6 million foreign tourists this year. Vietnam is Indonesia’s fourth-largest inbound market in ASEAN, after Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
The ambassador said it is necessary to improve connectivity and strengthen international cooperation in order to achieve this goal. To that end, Indonesia has offered visa-free travel for citizens of all ASEAN countries, and it will be hosting numerous international events in the near future to stimulate tourism demand.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam highlighted the importance of this event, emphasizing that it signifies Indonesia’s dedication to utilizing the tourism industry as a catalyst for economic revival and sustainable growth.