The event brought together Professor Thomas Patterson, Harvard University; Co-Founder of the Boston Global Forum; Professor Alisha Holland, Political Science Faculty, Harvard University; Dr. Glen Weyl, Founder and Research Lead at Microsoft’s Technology Collaboration Center; along with representatives from tourism associations, airlines, enterprises, and media outlets.

VNAT’s Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai speaking at the event

In her remarks, VNAT’s Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai expressed her honor in introducing the image of Vietnam - a land of timeless beauty, rich cultural heritage, and boundless opportunities to the Boston audience. She also highlighted the shared values between Boston and Vietnam: a deep respect for learning, cultural traditions, and a spirit of innovation.

Since the upgrade of Vietnam-U.S relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, tourism has served as a vital bridge for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two nations. The United States is now one of Vietnam Tourism’s key source markets, with nearly 623,000 American visitor arrivals in the first nine months of 2025. Vietnam also ranks among the world’s fastest-growing international destinations, with a 21% increase in arrivals in the first half of 2025, according to UN Tourism.

Vietnam - A Premier and Inspiring Destination

VNAT’s Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai outlined four key reasons why Vietnam stands out as a must-visit destination and a promising partner for U.S tourism businesses:

Authentic Experiences

Vietnam is recognized as a safe and welcoming destination, home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites (six cultural, two natural, and one mixed) and 16 Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity. With 3,260 km of coastline, a warm tropical climate, and famously hospitable people, Vietnam offers growing premium travel experiences, from luxury resorts and golf tourism to MICE and wellness travel at highly competitive prices.

A Land of Innovation

Like Boston, Vietnam believes in the power of creativity and innovation. With a young, dynamic, and talented population, Vietnam has become one of Asia’s most vibrant economies. From tech start-ups and sustainable tourism to digital arts and green energy, Vietnam is shaping its future with imagination and resilience.

The Vietnamese-American community in the U.S, with over 2.3 million people, including around 40,000 in the Boston and Massachusetts has made significant contributions to academia and the economy. Many of them also serve as “tourism ambassadors” introducing Vietnam’s image to American friends and colleagues.

A Culinary Paradise

In Vietnam, food is more than a meal, it is a cultural journey. From pho and banh mi to goi cuon and coastal seafood specialties, every dish tells a story of Vietnam’s land and people, reflecting harmony, sophistication, and community spirit.

Overview of the event

Opportunities for Cooperation

Vietnam is committed to facilitating travel from the U.S through flexible visa policies, direct flight connections, and international-standard services. U.S citizens are now eligible for 90-day e-visas, with simplified entry procedures. Visitors to Phu Quoc Island enjoy visa-free stays of up to 30 days.
For U.S enterprises, Vietnam offers abundant opportunities in hospitality investment, travel technology, and sustainable tourism development.

Before the promotional event, leading Vietnamese travel agencies, hotels, and resorts held B2B meetings with U.S partners, paving the way for concrete business cooperation and the creation of high-quality tourism products tailored to the American market.

“VNAT is committed to supporting U.S enterprises through fam trips, high-quality promotional materials, and trusted partner networks,” said VNAT’s Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai. “We also welcome U.S media representatives to Vietnam to share authentic stories about our people and landscapes. We believe Vietnam-U.S tourism cooperation will continue to thrive in the coming years.”

Connecting Human Values in the Age of AI

In a welcome message, Michael S. Dukakis, former Governor of Massachusetts, introduced the initiative “Connecting Sacred Landmarks and Spiritual Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AIWS Society)”, a journey linking Nha Trang, Ha Long-Yen Tu (Vietnam) with Boston, Massachusetts, Grand Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone, and Acadia (USA), where spirit, nature, and intelligence converge in the AI era.

Panel discussion

The initiative aims not only to promote natural and cultural beauty but also to celebrate spiritual and humanistic values that unite humanity.
By connecting Vietnam’s sacred and iconic sites Nha Trang, Ha Long, Yen Tu, and Hoi An, with America’s legendary landscapes, the project envisions a bridge between East and West, between nature and technology, and between eternal values and the future.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to foster cultural, cinematic, musical, and spiritual tourism, creating a new tourism model for the AI Age that combines innovation, sustainability, and respect for human heritage”, said Mr. Dukakis.
“The Boston Global Forum and AIWS will actively support Vietnam from 2026 onward in connecting sacred landmarks and cultural cities with the U.S and the world through this transformative initiative”.

B2B meeting among travel agencies

During the event, VNAT representatives also presented Vietnam’s latest tourism policies and products designed for American travelers, and offered special gifts to lucky guests.

A panel discussion on “Connecting Sacred Landmarks in the AI Era” followed, featuring VNAT’s Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, along with prominent professors, scholars, and experts from the U.S.

The event in Boston opened new horizons for cooperation between Vietnamese and U.S enterprises, experts, and researchers in the tourism sector, helping bring Vietnam’s tourism image and brand closer to American audiences.

Tourism Information Technology Center