Bangkok (VNA) – The Bangkok branch of Vietnam Airlines, in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand and the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA), held a kick-off workshop on March 10 to strengthen tourism connectivity between the two countries.
The initiative comes as the nations have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (August 6, 1976 – 2026) with a range of joint activities this year.
Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Viet Hung said the 14th National Party Congress had set a target of achieving an average annual GDP growth rate of over 10%, with tourism identified as one of the key pillars supporting economic expansion.
Amid an increasingly uncertain global environment, including geopolitical tensions, disruptions to international flight routes and fluctuations in the global economy, the ambassador noted that such developments present challenges for the tourism sector but also create new opportunities, as travellers increasingly seek safe, stable and well-connected destinations.
He emphasised that closer cooperation among tourism stakeholders, airlines and partners from both countries is particularly important at present, not only to boost bilateral tourism but also to enhance regional tourism development. By linking destinations, sharing tourism products and improving connectivity, Vietnam and Thailand can open up new opportunities for sustainable growth in the region.
Ngo Tri Hung, head of Vietnam Airlines’ Thailand branch, said the carrier has nearly 50 years of operations in Thailand and is currently one of the major airlines connecting Bangkok with Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, operating nine flights daily. From April 2, it is also scheduled to resume the Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket route.
Hung added that Vietnam Airlines also transports passengers from Europe and the Americas to Thailand, many of whom have expressed interest in combining their trips with visits to Vietnam.
At the workshop, Vietnam Airlines introduced its latest policies and products for the Thai market for the upcoming summer season. Meanwhile, partners such as the VITA and Sun Group focused on refreshing the image of Vietnamese destinations for Thailand’s tourism community.
According to VITA Chairman Vu The Binh, tourist exchanges between the two countries are already substantial. In many years, the number of Vietnamese visitors to Thailand has exceeded one million, while Thai arrivals in Vietnam have reached 700,000–800,000 in some years. However, the higher number of Vietnamese tourists travelling to Thailand in recent years indicates Thailand’s stronger appeal as a destination. In response, Vietnam’s tourism sector is implementing a range of initiatives to attract more Thai visitors.
Binh expressed confidence that with the efforts of Vietnamese businesses and the support of the Government, the number of Thai tourists visiting Vietnam will increase significantly in the time to come./.
VNA
