The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) on September 25 held a roadshow in Jakarta, aiming to introduce Vietnamese tourism products to Indonesians and promote the image of Vietnam to attract more Indonesian visitors.

Thien Duong cave in Phong Nha Ke Bang heritage site - Illustrative image

According to VNAT deputy head Ha Van Sieu, Vietnam and Indonesia are the two big economies of ASEAN, but bilateral tourism cooperation is below potential.

Themed “Graceful Vietnam”, the roadshow provided Indonesia’s travel agencies with information about Vietnam’s tourism, including attractive destinations like Phong Nha Ke Bang cave and Son Doong cave in central Quang Binh province, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex - a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site - in northern Ninh Binh province, and Sa Pa town in Lao Cai province and Ban Gioc waterfall in Cao Bang province in the north.

The event also highlighted Vietnam’s heritage recognised by UNESCO, including 10 tangible heritages and 10 intangible heritages, as well as the country’s diverse cuisine.

Magdalena Atmadja, marketing director of the Platinum travel agency, said her company often organises tours to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

The company will open tours to other destinations in Vietnam such as Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang cave and Ninh Binh province, she added.

Meanwhile, Akhmad Dani, director of Goodway – an Indonesian tourism company, said that a lack of guides who speak Indonesian and limited Halal food options for Muslims make organising tours in Vietnam difficult.

After Indonesia, the “Graceful Vietnam” roadshow will be held in Malaysia and Thailand.-

VNA