Vietnam and Singapore have entered into a partnership to enhance bilateral tourism efforts, exemplified by the recent cooperation agreement signed between national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines (VNA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for the period 2023-2025.
Vietnam and Singapore are currently going through a robust rebound in inbound tourism and have emerged as highly sought-after destinations for both leisure and business travel.
This partnership marks the beginning of a successful collaboration between VNA and STB. Together, we will embark on impactful marketing campaigns aimed at promoting Singapore’s exceptional travel experiences. Our ultimate goal is to position Vietnam Airlines as the preferred airline for Vietnamese travelers.
| Leaders of Vietnam Airlines (VNA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) signed a MoU on August 15. Photo: Vietnam Airlines |
Vietnam is currently among Singapore’s top 10 source markets for tourism. In the first seven months of this year, Vietnam has sent over 280,000 visitors to Singapore, marking a significant increase of 123% compared to the previous year. Prior to the pandemic, there was a consistent annual growth rate of up to 13% in the number of Vietnamese visitors traveling to Singapore.
Singapore is a crucial market for Vietnam Airlines in Southeast Asia, serving as an important strategic hub. Over the past three decades, the airline’s Vietnam-Singapore route has facilitated travel for more than 7 million passengers between the two countries. Presently, Vietnam Airlines operates 35 weekly flights connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Singapore.
Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, has expressed that Vietnam Airlines serves as a representation of Vietnam’s country and culture as it expands its presence globally. Furthermore, the airline’s reputation is closely tied to the country’s economic development, particularly within the tourism industry.
“Vietnam Airlines is delighted to collaborate with STB, envisioning a productive partnership that will foster the revival of the tourism industries and further strengthen the amicable ties between the two countries. Leveraging our vast network of routes, Vietnam Airlines is well-equipped to bolster connectivity between the two ASEAN nations and pivotal global markets,” remarked Ha, representative of Vietnam Airlines.
Melissa Ow, the esteemed Managing Director of the Singapore Tourism Board, expressed her admiration for Vietnam Airlines, recognizing its significance as a valuable strategic partner in the Southeast Asian region. Emphasizing the importance of Vietnam as a lucrative tourism market for Singapore, Ow emphasized the country’s promising growth potential moving forward.
According to her statement, the partnership holds great importance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of a strategic partnership between the two nations in 2023.
In 2022, Vietnam Airlines served over 290,000 passengers flying to Singapore. During the first seven months of 2023, Vietnam Airlines recorded a significant growth, with 266,000 passengers on this route, which represents a 2.4-fold increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
