Jakarta (VNA) – There are new opportunities for tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia, driven by similarities in culture and natural landscapes, along with a shared commitment to sustainable tourism development, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) Ha Van Sieu stated at a tourism promotion programme in Jakarta on March 9.
The event was jointly organised by Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist on the occasion of the state visit to Indonesia by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and his spouse.
The programme aimed to boost tourist exchanges between the two countries, and strengthen tourism cooperation along with partnerships in developing new travel products. It also looked to contribute to diplomatic ties, as well as business collaboration between Vietnamese and Indonesian travel agencies.
Sieu said both countries boast attractive destinations, from stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage to famous attractions. He added that strengthening tourism cooperation helps to not only promote the two sides’ images but also create favourble conditions for tourism businesses to develop, and bolster cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Anton Sumarli, Vice President of the Association of Indonesian Travel Agents (ASTINDO), said Vietnam is emerging as a strongly growing tourist destination, increasingly appealing to Indonesian travellers. This trend was reflected in the good sales performance of Vietnam Airlines at the recent ASTINDO Travel Fair.
ASTINDO stands ready to collaborate with organisations such as the VNAT to introduce new tourist destinations to Indonesian travel agencies and people, thus boosting the growth of the two countries' tourism industries, he went on.
The programme offered a good chance for the two sides to introduce their attractions and tourism cooperation potential. Saigontourist's travel products and Vietnam Airlines' flight network were also showcased at the event.
Statistics show that Vietnam welcomed nearly 17.6 million international visitors in 2024, including over 184,000 Indonesians, making the archipelago nation one of Vietnam’s key tourism markets in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, an increasing number of Vietnamese tourists have chosen Indonesia, particularly Bali, as their holiday destination./.
