Vietnamese tourism is expected to attract visitors from Germany as the country is Vietnam's most important market in Europe, said Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), at a conference promoting the Southeast Asian country's tourism in Frankfurt earlier this week. 

VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh speaks at the program promoting Vietnamese tourism to German travelers in Frankfurt. Photo: VNA

Khanh said that in 2023, around 200,000 German tourists visited the Southeast Asian country, equivalent to 88% of the pre-Covid-19 figure, making it the third largest source of tourists in Vietnam in the European Union (EU).

He added that with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany approaching in 2025, the two nations have enormous potential to support each other's growth and cooperation, especially in the tourism industry.

"Vietnam is a country with rich tourism potential and can become a popular destination for European tourists, including Germans," he stressed.

Vietnam is home to various famous tourist attractions, many of which have been ranked among the world's best by reputable travel websites, such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Hue Former Imperial City, and many others. The Southeast Asian country also offers a variety of types of tourism, including agricultural and community-based tourism, traditional handicraft villages, and cultural festivals.

Especially, the rich cuisines of the country's three regions are favored by foreign tourists.

Hoi An Ancient Town in the central region of Quang Nam is a favorite destination for many international visitors. Photo: Nguoi Hoi An

Khanh hopes that with the above potential, Vietnam will attract more German tourists soon. According to him, the launch of direct flights between Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City and Munich by the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines at the beginning of this year, the exemption of the Vietnamese visa requirement for German visitors, and the extension of the visa-free stay to 45 days also create more favorable conditions for German tourists to visit Vietnam. 

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Germany have developed in a more positive, extensive, effective, and comprehensive manner.

In October 2011, the two countries established the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. Since then, Vietnam and Germany have reaped many outstanding achievements in culture, education and training, science and technology, and tourism. Germany holds a crucial position as Vietnam's most important trading partner in the European Union, while Vietnam remains a key partner for Germany within ASEAN.