Gala promotes Vietnam’s tourism in India

A gala promoting tourism in Vietnam was organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in India and the country’s leading tour operator Vietravel in New Delhi, India on January 26.

Vietnamese ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh speaks at the gala. (Credit: Vietnam+)
Vietnamese ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh speaks at the gala. (Credit: Vietnam+)

Under the theme ‘Vietnam – A Paradise of South East Asia’, the programme attracted Indian tourism businesses and associations and the host country’s mass media.

Opening the event, Vietnamese ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh stressed the gala’s importance when the traditional friendship and strategic co-operation between Vietnam and India has seen such rapid practical development.

He affirmed that Vietnam is a destination which Indian tourists should not overlook. Despite severe devastation and losses through war, the country has developed rapidly over the past 30 years to become an attractive destination with numerous beautiful beaches, UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites, famous historical sites, bustling shopping centres and inexpensive hotels, resorts and restaurants.

However, the number of Indian tourists visiting Vietnam is still modest compared to those to Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia because of the shortage of information and association with the country, Thanh said.

Thanh expressed his hope that the gala would help tourism businesses of both countries provide information and join efforts to increase tours between the two countries.

He valued direct flights from New Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City by India’s Jet Airways and expected that the connection between the two countries will be enhanced when further direct flights are opened by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air.

Addressing the gathering, the Additional Secretary of Indian Tourism, Girish Shankar affirmed that Vietnam is a pillar in India’s ‘Look East’ policy as India prioritises expanding co-operation in the bilateral and ASEAN frameworks.

He said that tourism co-operation between the two countries will be increased thanks to direct flights.

Representatives from Vietravel and Indian tourism companies introduced their promotion programmes.

The participants enjoyed an outstanding traditional music performance by Vietnamese artists and joined in lucky draws which included prizes of free tours to Vietnam.

Vietnam+ - Translated by NDO