Vietnams tourism likely to boom under "Six Countries, One Destination" visa initiative

A shared visa zone for the Southeast Asia region, similar to Europe’s Schengen visa mechanism, could be a game-changer Vietnam’s tourism sector needs. The proposed “Six Countries, One Destination” initiative aims to facilitate seamless travel across six neighboring countries, thus boosting regional tourism.
Vietnam's tourism likely to boom under 'Six Countries, One Destination' visa initiative (Photo: Alma Resort, Cam Ranh)

Vietnam's tourism likely to boom under 'Six Countries, One Destination' visa initiative (Photo: Alma Resort, Cam Ranh)

On the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Laos on October 9, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra agreed to pilot the tourism initiative, that involves Thailand, Maylasia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia ?(which six countries?).

Originally proposed by Thailand in April 2024, this visa plan will allow tourists to travel freely between six countries in the region, supercharing the local tourism industry. Thailand even hopes to negotiate visa-free travel between these ASEAN nations and the European Union’s Schengen zone.

Vietnam had floated a similar idea 14 years ago including five countries covering the Mekong sub-region, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, but nothing came of it.

Nguyen Quoc Ky, Chairman of Vietravel Corporation, who first proposed the concept, emphasised the importance of acting quickly in the current tourism landscape. After the pandemic, tourism markets have opened up, and countries that act fast can capture the growing demand.

He pointed out that countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have been swift in implementing open visa policies. While Vietnam reopened early after the pandemic, its tourism policies have been slower to evolve. Currently, Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens of 26 countries, far fewer than Thailand’s nearly 100.

If the six countries' initiative is implemented quickly, Vietnam can leverage the open policies of its neighbours to attract a large number of international tourists, he said.

Additionally, joint promotion efforts with the five other countries would provide greater reach compared to Vietnam acting alone. However, Vietnam still lacks an official tourism promotion office abroad, putting it at a disadvantage in international marketing.

Implementing this shared visa system will significantly benefit Vietnam’s tourism. By 2050, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate global tourism, with Southeast Asia as a key destination. Vietnam must act quickly to capitalise on this opportunity and strengthen its position in the regional tourism race. However, experts warned that a shared visa policy could also increase competition among the six countries.

Cao Tri Dũng, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, noted that while the visa policy could expand the tourism market for ASEAN, it would also intensify competition. The countries will compete to attract visitors, and those with less attractive destinations can lose out.

Dung stressed the need for Vietnam to prepare high-quality, unique tourism products to ensure tourists stay longer and spend more.

Ky emphasised the need to highlight Vietnam’s distinct cultural offerings as tourists are seeking perse cultural experiences. Vietnam must showcase its unique traditions, cuisine, and everyday life to stand out, he noted.

Additionally, Vietnam's perse climate, ranging from temperate to tropical zones, offers tourists a variety of experiences in a single trip - an advantage few countries can match.

To stay competitive, Ky called for immediate research on the key tourist markets of the six countries and an analysis of their products to ensure Vietnam can offer something distinct.

The “Six Countries, One Destination” visa presents Vietnam with a unique chance to transform its tourism sector, but success will depend on how quickly and effectively the country prepares to cope with the challenges./.

Source: VNS
en.vietnamplus.vn

Related News

Latest News

Việt Nam establishes central steering committee to lead innovation and digital transformation

Việt Nam establishes central steering committee to lead innovation and digital transformation

This initiative seeks to position Việt Nam as a regional hub for digital technology industries and rank among the top 30 nations globally in innovation and digital transformation by 2045.
Ho Chi Minh City: Diversifying forms of support for businesses exporting goods

Ho Chi Minh City: Diversifying forms of support for businesses exporting goods

VCN - To help businesses increase their exports, Ho Chi Minh City has many forms of support and connection between businesses and foreign partners to expand their markets.
Year-end stimulus expected to boost economic growth

Year-end stimulus expected to boost economic growth

A series of year-end stimulus solutions is expected to spur Việt Nam’s economy to achieve the GDP growth target of over 7 per cent this year.
Enterprises focus on Tet care for employees

Enterprises focus on Tet care for employees

VCN - Tet bonuses are always an issue that receives special attention from employees at the end of each year. This year, the economy is facing many difficulties, many enterprises in the southern provinces have announced Tet bonuses, reflecting their tireless efforts to ensure the rights of employees.

More News

Experts point out economic growth drivers, challenges for next year

Experts point out economic growth drivers, challenges for next year

Several growth drivers are in place to help Việt Nam achieve its GDP growth rate goal of 6.5-7 per cent next year, but rapid and strong international fluctuations remain challenges to watch out for.
Việt Nam’s GDP growth to outpace region peers: Oxford Economics

Việt Nam’s GDP growth to outpace region peers: Oxford Economics

Việt Nam will be the standout among the top six ASEAN economies (ASEAN-6), growing at a faster pace relative to its peers during the next few years, according to the Oxford Economics, a global economic advisory firm.
PM asks efforts to achieve more than 8 per cent economic growth in 2025

PM asks efforts to achieve more than 8 per cent economic growth in 2025

Prime Minister Phạn Minh Chính has issued Official Dispatch No 137/CĐ-TTg on Friday on accelerating economic growth next year.
Việt Nam

Việt Nam's administrative restructuring will not impact foreign investors, says Foreign Ministry

Under the restructuring roadmap, the government will retain eight ministries and agencies but streamline their internal structures. For the remaining 14, the government will carry out reorganisation and mergers to reduce the number of administrative bodies.
Vietnam’s GDP growth to outpace region peers: Oxford Economics

Vietnam’s GDP growth to outpace region peers: Oxford Economics

Vietnam will be the standout among the top six ASEAN economies (ASEAN-6), growing at a faster pace relative to its peers during the next few years, according to the Oxford Economics, a global economic advisory firm.
Government Party Organisation must be elite, streamlined, ensure effective operations: PM

Government Party Organisation must be elite, streamlined, ensure effective operations: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, head of the Government Steering Committee for summarising the implementation of Resolution 18-NQ/TW of the 12th Party Central Committee, which seeks to streamline the political system for greater efficiency and effectiveness, chaired the fifth meeting of the committee in Hanoi on December 19.
Vietnam among Asia’s 15 largest economies

Vietnam among Asia’s 15 largest economies

The statistical visualisation platform Seasia Stats recently ranked Vietnam among the top 15 economies in Asia, with projected economic output reaching some 506 billion USD in 2025.
Chinese media praises Vietnam’s economic achievements, outlook

Chinese media praises Vietnam’s economic achievements, outlook

Chinese media outlets, including The Paper, CRI, Sohu, Sina, the Guangdong E-Commerce Association's website, and BWC, have published numerous reports and analyses highlighting Vietnam’s remarkable economic achievements in 2024 and its promising outlook for 2025.
Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 opens

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 opens

The Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 is due to kick off on December 19 morning at Gia Lam airport in Hanoi, gathering more than 200 units and enterprises from over 30 countries worldwide.
Read More

Your care

Latest Most read
Việt Nam establishes central steering committee to lead innovation and digital transformation

Việt Nam establishes central steering committee to lead innovation and digital transformation

This initiative seeks to position Việt Nam as a regional hub for digital technology industries and rank among the top 30 nations globally in innovation and digital transformation by 2045.
Ho Chi Minh City: Diversifying forms of support for businesses exporting goods

Ho Chi Minh City: Diversifying forms of support for businesses exporting goods

To help businesses increase their exports, Ho Chi Minh City has many forms of support and connection between businesses and foreign partners to expand their markets.
Year-end stimulus expected to boost economic growth

Year-end stimulus expected to boost economic growth

A series of year-end stimulus solutions is expected to spur Việt Nam’s economy to achieve the GDP growth target of over 7 per cent this year.
Enterprises focus on Tet care for employees

Enterprises focus on Tet care for employees

VCN - Tet bonuses are always an issue that receives special attention from employees at the end of each year. This year, the economy is facing many difficulties, many enterprises in the southern provinces have announced Tet bonuses, reflecting their tirel
Experts point out economic growth drivers, challenges for next year

Experts point out economic growth drivers, challenges for next year

Several growth drivers are in place to help Việt Nam achieve its GDP growth rate goal of 6.5-7 per cent next year, but rapid and strong international fluctuations remain challenges to watch out for.
Mobile Version