Vietnam steps up tourism promotion in Canada

Ottawa (VNA) – A Vietnam tourism promotion programme was held in Toronto on September 17 night, wrapping up the Vietnamese Culture Week in Canada from September 11-17.

Co-organised by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) and the Hanoi Promotion Agency (HPA), the event brought together over 100 representatives of local tourism and trade associations, travel companies, airlines and press agencies, along with Vietnamese diplomats, reporters and businesspeople.

According to VNAT General Director Nguyen Van Tuan, to affirm their positions in the Canadian market, Vietnamese travel companies need to make preparations, take suitable solutions, create differences, provide high-quality services and show their friendliness.

The number of Canadian tourists to Vietnam has remained limited, standing at only 138,242 in 2017 and 104,057 in the first eight months of this year, Tuan said.

Nguyen Dai Trang, Director of the Canada-Vietnam Trade Council, suggested Vietnamese enterprises focus on such groups of Canadian holiday-makers as youths, families, and schools and businesses that want to travel to Vietnam first and then seek educational and economic cooperation opportunities in the country.

Rajat Chhabra, General Director of Radisson Suite Hotel, expressed his optimism about Vietnam’s tourism potential with people, culture, art and cuisine factors, believing that Vietnam’s tourism promotion in North America will bring about rosy prospects.

Vietnam’s tourism has gradually affirmed its position globally, as reflected through titles and awards given to the country recently.

The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association has selected Vietnam as an “emerging destination for luxury travel”. The country was also honoured as “Asia’s Leading Destination” by the World Travel Awards in early September.

In 2017, Vietnam welcomed nearly 13 million international tourists, up 29 percent against the previous year. The tourism sector generated 23 billion USD, contributing about 8 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Many participating businesses expressed their belief that after the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) comes into effect, the favourable business environment will create new waves of Canadian investment into Vietnam.

The Tourism Roadshow in North America in September continues to send the message of “Vietnam-Timeless Charm” to international friends.-VNA