Enhancing Bilateral Tourism Cooperation

In his opening remarks, Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh emphasized that bringing Vietnam’s tourism promotion program to Hangzhou - a leading tourism and economic hub in China - demonstrates the commitment of tourism authorities and businesses to proactively expand multifaceted cooperation. He noted that in the context of global economic integration, Vietnam and China share tremendous complementary strengths, especially in tourism development.

VNAT's Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh

China remains Vietnam’s most important tourism source market, showing strong and consistent growth. In 2019, Vietnam welcomed 5.8 million Chinese visitors, ranking first among all inbound markets. In 2024, nearly 3.8 million Chinese tourists traveled to Vietnam. During the first 10 months of 2025, the number exceeded 4.3 million, a year-on-year increase of nearly 44%.

China is also Vietnam’s largest trading partner. Bilateral trade turnover in 2024 reached more than USD 205 billion, up 33.5% compared to the previous year, making China - Vietnam’s second-largest export market globally.

In the opposite direction, Vietnam is China’s largest trading partner within the ASEAN bloc and the fifth largest globally among individual nations. Vietnamese outbound tourism to China also showed impressive result, with around 8 million Vietnamese visitors in 2019. In 2024, nearly 23,000 Vietnamese students studied in China - double the 2019 figure - reflecting growing interest in academic opportunities, business cooperation, and cultural exploration.

In recent years, the two countries have advanced tourism collaboration through agreements such as the bilateral tourism cooperation agreement and the joint effort to protect and develop the Ban Gioc Waterfall (Vietnam) - Detian Falls (China) tourism resource. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and various Chinese airlines have launched an extensive network of direct flights linking major cities and tourism centers in both countries. Tourism authorities also regularly coordinate familiarization trips, destination promotions, and participation in each other’s international tourism fairs.

Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh highlighted that convenient air connectivity, simplified entry-exit procedures, attractive destinations and products, and the warmth of local people on both sides create ideal conditions for tourism expansion.

He also underscored Hangzhou’s significance - not only as an ancient city rich in culture, but also as one of China’s most dynamic economies. Hosting the Vietnam tourism roadshow here offers a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese and Chinese businesses to exchange information, explore partnerships, and prepare for more substantive two-way tourism growth in the coming years.

Zhejiang Province Looks Forward to Expanding Cultural and Tourism Ties with Vietnam

Speaking at the event, Chen Rufu, Deputy Director-General of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, noted that Zhejiang is known as the cradle of silk and fine tea, a convergence point of cultural heritage, and home to breathtaking natural wonders.

Deputy Director-General of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism

Blessed with a long and distinctive cultural history, Zhejiang charms visitors with its poetic landscapes reminiscent of traditional ink-wash paintings. The province boasts three UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites and one UNESCO Natural Heritage site.

In recent years, cultural and tourism exchanges between Zhejiang and Vietnam have grown stronger. Zhejiang successfully organized the cultural-tourism showcase “Zhejiang-Vietnam Toward the Asian Games” in Hanoi, as well as the program “Flow of Poetry and Art - The Radiant Beauty of the East - Zhejiang Poetry & Art.” Meanwhile, Khanh Hoa Province of Vietnam introduced the coastal beauty of Nha Trang to audiences in Ningbo.

He affirmed that Zhejiang and Vietnam have long been important tourism partners, with two-way visitor flows continuing to rise. This reflects significant cooperation potential. He expressed hope for deeper collaboration in market development and building shared success stories for sustainable cultural and tourism development on both sides.

Showcasing Vietnam’s Tourism Attractions

During the program, VNAT representatives presented Vietnam’s new visa policies, key tourism products and destinations, the country’s expanding tourism infrastructure, and stimulus initiatives. Marketing strategies aimed at the Chinese market were also highlighted. The event introduced updated information on air connectivity between the two countries, promotional travel packages, and a Chinese-language video showcasing Vietnam’s tourism appeal.

Earlier the same day, a business networking session was held for tourism companies from both countries. Travel agencies, hotels, resorts, convention centers, and airlines engaged in direct discussions, exchanged market insights, explored investment opportunities.

Strengthening Friendship and Creating New Opportunities

The program concluded on a positive note, opening numerous prospects for tourism and cultural cooperation between Vietnam and Hangzhou. Activities within the event not only promoted Vietnam’s signature destinations and tourism products to Chinese partners but also reinforced the long-standing friendship between the two sides.

Through these new links, tourism businesses in both countries now have a stronger foundation for collaboration, market expansion, and joint product development - creating fresh momentum for vibrant and sustainable bilateral tourism growth in the years ahead.

Tourism Information Technology Center