Over 50 Vietnamese and Japanese travel firms and tourism authorities gathered at a tourism promotion seminar in Hanoi on July 2 to showcase their products, exchange market insights, and strengthen practical and effective cooperation between the two countries.
Vietnamese and Japanese travel businesses meet in person to exchange tourism information. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)💮 – Over 50 Vietnamese and Japanese travel firms and tourism authorities gathered at a tourism promotion seminar in Hanoi on July 2 to showcase their products, exchange market insights, and strengthen practical and effective cooperation between the two countries.
Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, highlighted the strong and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan, with tourism serving as a pioneering sector that bridges cultures and people. Japan has long been a key international source market for Vietnamese tourism.
In 2019, Vietnam welcomed over 950,000 Japanese visitors. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the figure reached nearly 700,000 in 2024, and more than 340,000 in the first five months of 2025, an 18.3% year-on-year increase.
Japan is also a strategic partner in sustainable tourism development. Ongoing cooperation projects include human resources training, high-end product development, heritage conservation, and smart tourism solutions.
Thuy expressed confidence that shared cultural values and strong bilateral cooperation will further boost two-way tourism, contributing to post-pandemic recovery and long-term sustainable growth.
Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Vietnam Ishikawa Isamu delivers a speech at the event. (Photo: VNA)
At the event, Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Vietnam, Ishikawa Isamu, said tourism plays a vital role in enhancing mutual understanding and also operates as a business, requiring insight into both customers and products. He encouraged Japanese travel representatives to explore Hanoi’s stylish cafés and bars to better understand local life, while urging more Vietnamese tour companies to visit Japan.
Aiming to attract two million Vietnamese tourists to Japan by 2030, the Japanese Embassy hoped the event would deepen bilateral tourism ties.
Matsumoto Fumi, Chief Representative of the Japan National Tourism Organisation in Vietnam, noted the positive growth in travel between the two countries, highlighting the vast untapped potential, with around 80% of Vietnamese people yet to visit Japan.
She also raised concerns about overcrowding at popular destinations due to mainly concentration on the “Golden Route” and peak seasons like cherry blossom (March–April) and autumn foliage (October–November).
Matsumoto hoped the event would help Hanoi-based travel firms discover alternative attractions and updated tourism materials, thereby expanding and diversifying the Japanese tourism market./.
Vietnam is refining its institutional framework, improve the business environment, and remove bottlenecks to unlock resources. The Government has identified administrative reform, streamlined procedures, and decentralisation as top priorities to position Vietnam as Southeast Asia’s best investment destination.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired an official welcome ceremony in Hanoi on April 28 morning for Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and his spouse who are on a three-day official visit to Vietnam.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
