Hanoi (VNA) - Ninh Binh, a picturesque province in northern Vietnam, has recently become a key destination for Indian tourists, with new South Asian guests even including members of India's burgeoning billionaires club.
It’s also considered an opportunity for Ninh Binh to promote its cultural heritage and natural beauty to international tourists, especially as the province has intensified efforts to tap into the Indian and South Asian tourist markets.
The Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO world heritage site in Ninh Binh, has been chosen as a key destination for many Indian tourists. This eco-tourism site is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, sacred temples, and rich history.
Indian visitors will be treated to a boat tour of Trang An's tranquil waters, surrounded by majestic limestone mountains, providing a unique opportunity for them to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Mammen James, an Indian tourist, shared that Vietnam's natural beauty and the warmth of its people have left a lasting impression on him. The serene boat rides in Trang An, with its crystal-clear waters and towering mountains, is an experience like no other.
In addition to the scenic tour, tourists can dine at the Trang An 5 Restaurant in Ninh Binh city. The restaurant is capable of meeting stringent diet needs, and can carefully select dishes to meet the specific requirements of the Indian guests.
The restaurant's staff work closely with both Indian and Vietnamese tour operators to ensure that the meals adhere to the highest standards of Indian vegetarian cuisine. The restaurant can accommodate large groups, ranging from 100 to 400 guests.
Ninh Binh has improved infrastructure, provided professional guides fluent in foreign languages to accompany big tourist groups, giving them in-depth insights into Ninh Binh's rich history and culture.
According to Pham Van Ha, CEO of Legend Hotel in Ninh Binh city, the number of Indian visitors to the hotel has increased significantly in recent years, positioning India as a promising market.
However, Ha acknowledged that there is still room for improvement, particularly in meeting the Halal food standards required by many Indian tourists. The hotel is committed to enhancing its services and educating its staff about Indian culture and cuisine to better cater to this growing market.
Statistics from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism revealed a sharp increase in Indian tourist arrivals in recent years. In 2023, Vietnam welcomed 392,000 Indian visitors, skyrocketing 231% compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first seven months of this year, the country received over 271,000 Indian tourists, a 127% surge from the same period last year, making India one of Vietnam's top 10 international markets.
In recent years, the province’s tourism sector has expanded its focus beyond traditional markets like the Republic of Korea, Japan, the US, and Europe to include potential markets in South Asia. The province has actively promoted itself through domestic and international tourism fairs and social media platforms.
Pham Duy Phong, Deputy Director of the provincial Tourism Department, emphasised that the recent hosting of the largest-ever Indian delegation is a testament to the province's successful tourism promotion efforts.
He saw this as a golden opportunity to further elevate Ninh Binh's profile, attracting more international tourists and investors. As Ninh Binh continues to establish itself as a new and promising destination for Indian tourists, the local tourism industry and service providers are committed to delivering the best possible experience for visitors from this vast market of over 1.4 billion people.
The department is hopeful that this visit will garner positive feedback from Indian travel agencies and tourists, further boosting Ninh Binh's appeal as a top destination in Vietnam./.
