INTERVIEW Vietnam seeks quality tourism to attract high-end Korean travelers

Ha Van Sieu, center, vice chairman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with other ministry officials, speaks during an interview with the Korean press at the ministry in Hanoi on Dec. 11. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

HANOI, Vietnam — Ha Van Sieu, vice chairman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that his country is seeking to attract high-end Korean tourists, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity.

During a group interview with Korean reporters including The Korea Times at the ministry in Hanoi on Dec. 11, he also outlined measures for sustainable tourism and exploring new destinations.

A beach in Da Nang, Vietnam / Korea Times file

"We believe that targeting the high-end market segment is the most viable solution. While it may result in fewer tourists, the potential for high yield is significant," Sieu said.

Sieu stressed the need to guide business groups toward expanding into new, remote areas rather than concentrating in one center, promoting more satellite destinations.

"In the central highlands, we have more potential for cultural tourism, especially among minority groups," Sieu stated.

Sieu highlighted the importance of cooperation between Korean and Vietnamese companies to enhance services.

"The Korea Tourism Association should have more cooperation between Korean companies and Vietnamese companies to serve tourists better," Sieu said.

"Quality is most important; quality and sustainability for destinations. Korean tourists are not just a number but more about quality."

Vietnam has emerged as a favored destination for Korean travelers, experiencing a remarkable five-fold increase in tourist numbers from 2014 to 2019, with an average annual growth rate of 38 percent.

"We are still optimistic that Korean tourism will increase, especially in business tours, family visits and short getaways," he said.

Despite challenges posed by the global pandemic, Korean tourists have shown resilience in their travel patterns, with a remarkable recovery observed in the first 11 months of this year.

A staggering 83 percent of Korean tourists to Vietnam during this period have rebounded compared to the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Projections suggest that the total number of two-way tourists by the end of the year could reach an impressive 4 million, according to the ministry.

Sieu expressed confidence in Vietnam's potential to surpass pre-COVID tourist numbers, particularly from Northeast Asia.

"We still see the potential for an increase. Maybe next year, we exceed the number of 2019, maybe we receive 5 million tourists," he said.

Korean citizens enjoy a unilateral visa exemption for a period of 45 days, and Vietnamese multiple-entry visas, with up to 10 years of validity, are granted to those meeting specific conditions.