India viewed as promising tourist source for Vietnam

Indian holidaymakers coming to Vietnam have increased relatively fast over the last five years. While the annual growth stood at 26.7% during 2015 - 2019, the number topped 392,000 in 2023, marking a 231% surge compared to 2019, reported the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Direct flights between Vietnam and India have helped reduce travel time for passengers, enhancing connectivity between the two countries.

Indian tourists are increasingly fond of travelling to Vietnam, which boasts a safe tourism environment, beautiful landscapes, diverse products, people's hospitality, and delicious cuisine. In addition to tourism, Indians are also ready to spend big on booking entire 5-star hotels in coastal destinations such as Quang Ninh, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc for weddings.

Dinh Duc Quang from travel company Nikatour Mui Ne in Phan Thiet city, Binh Thuan province, said India is indeed a highly potential but also demanding market, especially in terms of culinary and religious considerations. Therefore, travel agencies should pay attention to tailoring their products to the needs of different groups of Indian visitors such as those booking tours, rich and urban families, solo and female travellers, and high-end tourists.

Statistics from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) show that Indians spent US$21.3 billion on travelling abroad in 2018, and the figure increased 9.8% in 2019. The spending is forecast to reach US$45 billion by 2025 and about US$91 billion by 2030.

Surveys indicate that Indian tourists enjoy exploring new destinations. They love shopping, participating in outdoor activities, and visiting museums, cultural sites, and historical landmarks.

Given this, India is seen as a promising tourism market that Vietnam should tap into in the time to come to attract more international visitors.