Indonesia, with its vast population and fast-growing economy, is emerging as a highly promising tourism market. Demand among Indonesian travelers to explore Vietnam has been rising, particularly as Vietnam has been actively developing a Muslim-friendly tourism environment.

Organised by the Hue Department of Tourism and the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the programme brought together 20 travel businesses operating in central Vietnam and more than 100 Indonesian partners. Beyond destination promotion, business-to-business (B2B) networking activities opened up opportunities for cooperation in areas such as tourist exchanges, package tours, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) services, weddings, and luxury resorts.

At the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Ta Van Thong emphasised that the programme created a synergistic effect, amplifying the shared image of Central Vietnam as a region rich in heritage, islands, and dynamic cities.

According to Erwin Sugianto, finance manager at Tiket.com Indonesia, Vietnam is already among the top destinations for Indonesian travellers. He noted that the key to attracting Muslim visitors lies in Halal dining services and prayer facilities.

“Many restaurants and hotels in Vietnam now provide Halal food and prayer spaces. This is crucial in appealing to Indonesian tourists,” he said.

Tran Thi Hoai Tram, director of the Hue Department of Tourism, stressed that central Vietnam offers a wealth of experiences to visitors. Hue boasts its cultural and historical heritage, while Da Nang provides vibrant and innovative seaside tourism, alongside the ancient town of Hoi An that has long been popular with international visitors.

Meanwhile, Van Ba Son, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said that Da Nang and its business community have been working for years to build a Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem. Hundreds of restaurants in the city have received international Halal certification, while training and communication efforts have been implemented to sustainably develop this visitor segment.

Currently, Indonesia is Vietnam’s second largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade reaching US$16.7 billion in 2024. Tourism is emerging as one of the most promising pillars of cooperation, with more than 184,000 Indonesian visitors traveling to Vietnam last year. The planned direct flight route between Jakarta and Da Nang is expected to be a major driver, boosting visitor exchanges as well as aviation and tourism cooperation between the two countries in the near future.

Vietnamese products seek entry into trillion-dollar Halal market via Malaysia

VOV.VN - A seminar was held in Ho Chi Minh City on August 7 to examine export prospects for Vietnamese businesses to tap into the global Halal market via Malaysia.