Vietnam – Pakistan foster development of bilateral tourism market
WVR - On September 22, in Hanoi, the Vietnam – Pakistan B2B Connection and Tourism Business Exchange Program took place with the participation of nearly 100 Vietnamese tourism businesses and nearly 20 Pakistani tourism businesses, along with representatives from management agencies, tourism organizations, and airlines of both countries.
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The event focused on business connections, destination introductions, Halal tourism, and Muslim-friendly services, as well as discussions on improving air connectivity between Vietnam and Pakistan.
A key focus of the program was to transform survey activities into tangible products, real partners, and actual tourist groups. Vietnamese businesses were encouraged to develop products suitable for Pakistani tourists, while Pakistani partners introduced new destinations and experiences to the Vietnamese market.
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| Pakistan Ambassador to Vietnam Kohdayar Marri speaking at the program. (Photo: Pham Ly) |
Towards a bilateral tourist market
Speaking at the program, Pakistan Ambassador to Vietnam Kohdayar Marri stated that tourism is a crucial sector that brings the people of both countries closer together. Vietnam and Pakistan both boast numerous unique destinations and tourism products, ranging from cultural and historical heritage to nature, relaxation, and exploration.
According to Ambassador Kohdayar Marri, the program provides an opportunity for businesses from both countries to exchange market information, establish business relationships, build joint tourism products, and seek opportunities to increase the flow of tourists between Vietnam and Pakistan.
The survey and connection trip of the Pakistani delegation in Vietnam took place from September 20-25. The delegation departed from Pakistan on September 20, arrived in Hanoi on September 21, and is scheduled to leave Vietnam on September 25. During their time in Vietnam, the delegation surveyed tourism products in Hanoi and Quang Ninh – Ha Long, and met with Vietnamese tourism businesses through B2B connection activities.
A key goal of the program is to transition from destination surveys to market development. After the FAM Trip and B2B connections, businesses from both sides are expected to build tour products with real sales potential, implement joint marketing activities, sign cooperation agreements, and gradually establish a two-way tourist flow.
For Pakistani tourists, Vietnam offers strengths in cultural tourism, nature, beach resorts, shopping, cuisine, family tourism, business travel, and MICE. Some identified potential products include Hanoi – Ha Long, Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ha Long, Da Nang – Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc.
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| Introducing the Pakistani tourism market. (Photo: Le An) |
In developing this market, Halal services and Muslim-friendly offerings are identified as important components. Additionally, suitable accommodation, information on prayer locations, visa procedures, and convenient connectivity are factors that need attention.
Conversely, Pakistan is introduced as a new destination for Vietnamese tourists, with strengths in cultural heritage, historical cities, Islamic architecture, mountain landscapes, nature, and adventure tourism. Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi could be suitable destinations to introduce to the market; while Hunza, Skardu, and the northern areas of Pakistan have potential for developing specialized mountain and exploration tourism products.
The long-term goal is to establish a sustainable two-way tourist flow, not only attracting Pakistani tourists to Vietnam but also encouraging Vietnamese tourists to explore Pakistan.
Enhancing cooperation agreements
Vietnamese and Pakistani tourism businesses and airline representatives are enhancing cooperation, while also studying the potential for charter flights and direct air connectivity in the future, based on market demand, commercial feasibility, and necessary regulations and approvals.
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| Signing activities at the event. |
Within the framework of the program, three memorandums of understanding were signed, including: the UNESCO Hanoi Travel Club (HUTC) and the Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO), to enhance the travel cooperation network between the two countries; Vietnam - Pakistan Investment and Tourism Joint Stock Company and Travel Walji's (Pvt.) Limited, to develop the market and joint tourism products; Airblue Limited, VTours Vietnam Co., Ltd., and Vietnam - Pakistan Investment and Tourism Joint Stock Company, focusing on aviation services, tourism, market development, and air cargo transportation.
The memorandums signed at the event provide a framework for the parties to continue developing the market, tourism products, business connections, and exploring aviation cooperation opportunities.
At the program, Le Thi Minh Tam, General Director of Vietnam - Pakistan Investment and Tourism Joint Stock Company, emphasized that the FAM Trip is just the beginning. After survey and B2B connection activities, businesses need to transition to product development, tour sales, contract signing, and creating a real tourist flow between the two markets.
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| Delegates attending the program take a commemorative photo. |
Ambassador Kohdayar Marri also affirmed that the Pakistan Embassy in Hanoi will continue to coordinate with Vietnamese partners, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, and the private sector to turn the exchanges at the program into concrete results.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation are expected to continue supporting tourism promotion, market development, and coordinating with relevant agencies to gradually remove barriers to legal travel between the two countries.
