Vietnam, Austria boost tourism links and visitor exchanges

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang said tourism ties between Vietnam and Austria have significant untapped potential, particularly as both countries prepare to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Tourism offers an important channel for expanding economic cooperation, strengthening people-to-people exchanges and deepening bilateral friendship, he stressed.

Statistics show Vietnam’s tourism industry has continued to grow. The country welcomed more than 21 million international visitors in 2025, while arrivals reached 17.7 million in the first nine months of 2026, up 14.5% year on year. Vietnam is targeting around 25 million international visitors this year.

Its appeal spans natural landscapes, cultural heritage, beaches, cave systems and a diverse culinary tradition. The country has also received repeated international tourism accolades, including six titles as the World’s Leading Heritage Destination, seven as Asia’s Leading Destination and four as Asia’s Leading Culinary Destination.

These attractions align with Austrian travellers’ interest in nature, culture and authentic local experiences, offering scope for tourism operators in both countries to develop more tailored products.

Better air links and more diverse tourism products

Improving air connectivity is a key challenge to expanding visitor flows, Ambassador Hoang said. There are currently no direct flights between Vienna and Vietnam, meaning travellers often have to transit through major hubs such as Frankfurt, Paris, Istanbul or Doha.

Better transport links would shorten journeys and make travel between the two countries more convenient, helping to facilitate tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

At the forum, Mai Xuan Liem, vice chairman of the Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, highlighted the province’s historical, cultural and natural assets, saying products combining nature exploration, hiking, heritage discovery and local-life experiences could appeal to Austrian visitors.

He expressed Thanh Hoa’s hope to strengthen destination promotion, gain a better understanding of market demand and develop tourism programmes suited to Austrian travellers.

Tong Thi Thu Hien, representing FLC Group in the European Union and Germany, said Vietnam and Austria had complementary tourism strengths. Austria is known for the Alps, historic cities, cultural heritage and its musical traditions, while Vietnam offers a long coastline, scenic bays, mountains and the cultural diversity of its 54 ethnic groups.

These complementary assets provide a basis for developing two-way travel programmes and expanding cooperation between tourism businesses.

Cooperation for sustainable tourism growth

Ingrid Zimmermann, representing Austria’s Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, emphasised Vietnam is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Austrian visitors thanks to its natural scenery, cultural heritage and hospitality. She encouraged tourism authorities, businesses and organisations in both countries to use the forum to exchange information, find partners and develop concrete cooperation initiatives.

Tourism contributes around 6.5% of Austria’s gross domestic product (GDP). In 2025, the country recorded about 48 million visitor arrivals and 157 million overnight stays, with international visitors accounting for nearly 75% of overnight stays, according to figures presented at the forum.

The industry plays an important role in employment and local economic development, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. Austria is implementing its Vision T tourism strategy, which aims to promote year-round sustainable tourism while balancing economic performance, community benefits and the preservation of natural and cultural resources.

Against the backdrop of Asia’s growing importance as a tourism market, Austria is looking to strengthen cooperation and visitor exchanges with Vietnam.

Tourism cooperation was also among the areas discussed by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker at a meeting on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. Both sides underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges and creating favourable conditions for businesses and localities to establish partnerships.

The Vietnam–Austria Tourism Forum is expected to create further opportunities for tourism authorities, travel companies and aviation partners to connect, promote destinations and diversify tourism products, helping to translate the two countries’ shared potential into stronger bilateral visitor flows.

Vietnam Cultural Day promotes heritage, deepen people-to-people ties with Austria

VOV.VN - Vietnam Cultural Day took place in Linz on August 2, drawing municipal officials, local residents, and members of the Vietnamese expatriate community in Austria.