Leaders of both sides taking photos

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong highlighted that under Government Resolution No. 11, which grants visa exemption for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland participating in tour programs organized by Vietnamese travel agencies, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST) and the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) have implemented a wide range of promotional activities across major European markets, including Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland throughout June. These initiatives are part of Vietnam’s ongoing strategy to revive international tourism, diversify visitor sources, and expand its presence in new markets.

“Vietnam is making continuous efforts to rise in the new era, aiming for a prosperous and deeply integrated future,” stated Deputy Minister Ho An Phong. He further noted that the Government has identified foreign affairs and international integration as one of the country’s top strategic priorities. This is reflected in a number of newly issued national resolutions, such as Resolution 57-NQ/TW on science and technology, Resolution 59-NQ/TW on international integration, Resolution 66-NQ/TW on institutional and legal reform, and Resolution 68-NQ/TW on promoting the private economy.

According to the Deputy Minister, in today’s globalized environment, Vietnam consistently positions itself as a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community. “Vietnam is always a friend and trustworthy partner,” he affirmed, emphasizing that the country’s success in diplomacy also contributes to creating a favorable environment for tourism and cultural exchange.

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong speaking at the meeting

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong also underscored the strong and enduring ties between Vietnam and Poland. The traditional friendship between the two countries has been nurtured over decades and continues to thrive, supported by an active and prosperous Vietnamese community in Poland. Many young Vietnamese intellectuals and entrepreneurs have made significant contributions to Poland’s social and economic development, serving as cultural bridges that enhance mutual understanding between the two nations.

During the meeting, the Deputy Minister proposed maintaining regular annual tourism promotion programs, such as roadshows, cultural events, and trade exchanges, to strengthen the connection between the tourism industries of both countries. These activities, he said, are essential to “bring the image of Vietnam’s land, people, and culture closer to the Polish public.”

He suggested that Vietnam should make better use of its distinctive cultural elements as tools of soft power in tourism promotion. “Cuisine, traditional costumes like the Ao Dai, and iconic destinations such as Ba Na Hills in Da Nang or the One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi are ‘tourism ambassadors’ that can be creatively and effectively promoted,” the Deputy Minister noted. These cultural symbols, combined with modern marketing strategies, can help Vietnam establish a more recognizable and appealing image among European travelers.

Recognizing the role of communication and media in shaping perceptions, Mr. Ho An Phong also called for closer cooperation between tourism authorities and the press in Poland. “Culture is one of Vietnam’s most distinctive and attractive ‘products,’” he said. “It requires relatively modest investment yet generates long-term and sustainable value.” He added that the Vietnamese Government is currently finalizing the National Strategy for the Development of the Cultural Industry to 2030, with a vision to 2045. This plan aims to transform culture into a spearhead industry that contributes substantially to economic growth while promoting Vietnam’s identity and creativity on the global stage.

Overview of the meeting

Representing the Vietnamese Embassy in Poland, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mr. Ha Hoang Hai expressed his full support for MOCST’s initiatives. He shared that in recent years, the Embassy has been proactive in organizing numerous cultural and tourism promotion events to strengthen people-to-people connections and raise awareness of Vietnam in Poland. Such activities include Vietnam Cultural Day and Vietnamese Food Festivals, featuring traditional dishes like pho, spring rolls, banh mi, and bun cha, which have attracted great interest from local audiences and the media.

According to Ambassador Hai, cultural and culinary promotion has proven to be an effective way to foster goodwill and spark curiosity about Vietnam among Polish people. “When people enjoy Vietnamese food and art, they are also experiencing our culture — and from there, the desire to visit Vietnam grows naturally,” he said.

The Ambassador also mentioned that the Polish Prime Minister is expected to make an official visit to Vietnam at the end of September this year. He expressed hope that, on this important occasion, Vietnam would consider extending the visa exemption policy for Polish citizens until 2026, further reinforcing bilateral relations and facilitating travel between the two countries. Such an extension, he said, would serve as “a gesture of friendship and a concrete step toward deeper cooperation in tourism and cultural exchange.”

Both sides agreed that Poland remains a potential market for Vietnam’s tourism industry, with growing interest among Polish travelers in discovering Asian destinations. Direct flights, increased media visibility, and stronger collaboration between tour operators are expected to further boost tourism flows between the two nations in the coming years.

Ambassador Ha Hoang Hai speaking at the meeting

The meeting concluded in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation. Leaders from MOCST and the Embassy posed for commemorative photos, marking another meaningful milestone in the partnership between Vietnam and Poland.

As Vietnam continues to expand its global tourism footprint, the cooperation between government bodies, diplomatic missions, and international partners will play an essential role in promoting Vietnam’s image as a dynamic, open, and culturally rich destination.

Tourism Information Technology Center