Paris event underscores growing potential for France–Vietnam travel
France is a priority tourism market for Vietnam with nearly 279,000 French travellers coming to Vietnam in 2024, representing a 97% recovery from pre-COVID-19 levels.
A royal court music performance at the tourism promotion event in Paris. (Photo: VNA)
Paris (VNA) – A Vietnamese tourism promotion event took place in Paris on May 12–13, spotlighting Vietnam’s diverse ไofferings in eco-friendly and sustainable tourism, heritage and cultural experiences, seaside getaways, and high-end and unique travel products tailored to European preferences.
It was part of a series of events taking place in Milan (Italy), Geneva (Switzerland), and Paris (France) from May 4 to 13 to showcase Vietnamese tourism, handicrafts, and cuisine as part of the Visit Vietnam Year 2025. Hosted by the (VNAT), it also aimed to foster connections between European and Vietnamese businesses.
Addressing the event, VNAT Director Nguyen Trung Khanh reaffirmed France’s position as a priority tourism market for Vietnam. In 2024, nearly 279,000 French travellers visited Vietnam, representing a 97% recovery from pre-COVID-19 levels. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, arrivals from France surpassed 102,000, up more than 28% year-on-year, a positive indicator of robust potential for bilateral tourism growth.
Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh delivers a speech at the event. (Photo: nhandanonline)
Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang noted that with global tourism rebounding post-COVID-19, now is an opportune time for Vietnam to intensify its tourism promotion efforts. Beyond economic benefits, these activities serve as a platform to foster cultural exchange and reinforce friendship between nations.
Nguyen Tien Hoang, Chief Representative of Vietnam Airlines in France and Europe, said the airline is steadily expanding its operations in Europe, offering direct flights to France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. Plans are also underway to launch services to new destinations, including Denmark in 2026.
He underlined Vietnam Airlines’ role as a key connector of Vietnamese tourism to global markets, especially Europe.
The Paris event featured a rich programme of promotional activities, including B2B meetings, showcases of the iconic cultural heritage of Hue – host of the Visit Vietnam Year 2025 such as royal court music and traditional crafts presented by artisans, along with ao dai fashion performances, and destination presentations.
French tour operators and visitors were also invited to sample Vietnamese delicacies like royal spring rolls, Hue-style beef noodles, lotus-infused rice dishes, longan stuffed with lotus seeds, and traditional coffee and tea. Many participated in prize draws sponsored by Vietnam Airlines and other partners, with rewards including tickets for round-trip flights between Europe and Vietnam, luxury tour packages, and hotel vouchers.
This year, Vietnam aims to attract 22–23 million international tourist arrivals and 120–130 million domestic travellers, and gain about 1 quadrillion VND (38.5 billion USD) in tourism revenue./.
ASEAN Night was one of several ACP initiatives in Paris, following events such as the ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by Vietnam in August 2024, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang said.
The annual Tet celebration at Paris City Hall has become a cherished gathering for the Vietnamese community and an opportunity for international friends to experience Vietnam’s culture and traditions.
Vietnam brought to the event traditional martial arts performances, a graceful lotus dance, and an elegant ao dai (traditional long dress) showcase, highlighting the appeal of Vietnamese culture globally.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
