In 2023, ASEAN member states will enhance the promotion of tourism projects, further facilitate the connection between ASEAN destinations, and strengthen joint promotion activities in key markets and within the region.

Deputy Minister of Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST) Doan Van Viet gave the proposal at the 26th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, which is taking place in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, within the framework of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2023).

ASEAN ministers attend the event. Photos: TITC

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Doan Van Viet hoped that ASEAN members would soon remove entry requirements related to Covid-19. 

He said Vietnam welcomes ASEAN delegations to attend major tourism events in Vietnam this year, including the VITM International Travel Mart in Hanoi and ITE-HCMC in Ho Chi Minh City, or a series of events, including the Visit Vietnam Year 2023 in the southern province of Binh Thuan with the theme “Green tourism comes together”, and Hue Festival 2023.”

He stated that 2022 witnessed a solid recovery of the region's tourism industry. Member countries, one after another, opened and lifted travel restrictions. As a result, in the last months of 2022, the number of international visitors to the region has increased rapidly, promoting the return of bustling tourism-related ancillary services, contributing to economic growth.

MOCST’s Deputy Minister Doan Van Viet (center)

ASEAN: A Journey to Wonderful Destinations - a meaningful theme

Hosted by Indonesia On February 2-5, ATF 2023 themed "ASEAN: A Journey to Wonderful Destinations" inflames the spirit of tourism recovery in the region. The word "journey" reflects the path to rebuilding and reshaping the tourism sector to better adapt to current and future situations.

The forum is the largest annual event held alternately among ASEAN members within the framework of ASEAN tourism cooperation.

The opening ceremony of the ATF 2023 on February 3.

At ATF 2023, the Vietnamese delegation organized a press conference to inform about the development, policies, products, and services for tourism in Vietnam after Covid-19; market orientation, and products suitable for the new situation; as well as to publicize Vietnam's tourism image and message through the logo and title "Vietnam - Timeless Charm" and the media campaign "Live Fully in Vietnam".

VNAT Vice Chairman Ha Van Sieu said that as Vietnam has fully reopened to foreign travelers from March 15, 2022, the country offers facilities for tourists, such as visa exemption for 24 countries/territories, restoration of immigration measures and procedures as before the Covid-19 pandemic, e-visa application for citizens of 80 countries/territories. 

In 2022, the Southeast Asian country welcomed 3.6 million international visitors, including 920,000 arrivals from ASEAN. The influx of visitors from ASEAN has recovered about 45% compared to the pre-pandemic level. 

At the same time, Vietnam tourism has received many awards given by World Travel Awards, including World’s Leading Heritage Destination, Asia's Leading Destination, Asia's Leading Natural Destination, Asia's Leading Culinary Destination, and Asia’s Best Golf Destination. In particular, for the third time, VNAT won the title Asia's Leading Tourism Board.

Within the ATF 2023, Vietnam's in the spotlight at the TRAVEX International Travel Expo with various promotion activities on the Visit Vietnam Year 2023 - Binh Thuan.

Vice President of Indonesia Ma’ruf Amin

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ATF 2023 on February 3, Vice President of Indonesia Ma’ruf Amin affirmed that tourism is an important sector in the ASEAN economy, which would be the focus of global economic growth. At the same time, it is also an industry that promotes economic recovery, job creation, and people-to-people links. 

The ATF 2023 encompasses a number of important activities, including the 22nd ASEAN+3 Tourism Ministers' Meeting, the 10th ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers' Meeting, the 2nd ASEAN-Russia Tourism Ministers' Meeting, the 57th ASEAN National Tourism Organizations Meeting, the 42nd ASEAN+3 National Tourism Organizations Meeting, the 29th ASEAN-India National Tourism Organizations Meeting, the 13th ASEAN-Russia Tourism Consultation Meeting, the TRAVEX International Travel Expo, the ASEAN Tourism Awards Ceremony, the ASEAN Tourism Ministers' Press Conference and other side events.

Art performance at the opening ceremony.