Overview of the meeting (Photo: TITC)

The purpose of this business trip to Vietnam is to introduce and promote tourism and products of Jeju Island, especially halibut, a famous local specialty, stated Mr. Oh Young Hun, Governor of Jeju Province (Korea).

Previously, the delegation of Jeju Province had a meeting with Vietnam Airlines on a plan to operate a direct flight route connecting Ha Noi and Jeju Island. According to statistics, every year, about 20,000 to 30,000 Vietnamese people travel to Jeju Island, with the operation of direct flights connecting Ha Noi and Jeju Island, the number of tourists exchanging between Vietnam and Korea in general, Ha Noi and Jeju in particular will grow higher.

Mr. Oh Young Hun, Governor of Jeju Province (Korea) expressing his wish to strengthen tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Jeju (Photo: TITC)

Mr. Oh Young Hun said, Vietnam is the most visited destination by Koreans in the ASEAN region. Regarding visa policy, currently Jeju Island has implemented a visa-free policy for Vietnamese tourists, but there are still restrictions on the issuance of group visas. In the coming time, the policy on group visas will be gradually improved and welcome tour groups from Vietnam to visit the island, affirmed the Governor of Jeju Province.

Through this meeting, Mr. Oh Young Hun wishes to strengthen the cooperation between the two sides and seize more opportunities to jointly promote the tourism of Vietnam and Korea, raising the level for tourism cooperation activities between VNAT and Jeju Island. He suggested the first step is to organise  a famtrip for Vietnamese travel agencies, businesses and tour operators to visit Jeju Island. Governor of Jeju Province Oh Young Hun hopes to receive the support from VNAT in connecting Vietnam's tourism businesses with Jeju Island.

VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh chaired the meeting with Governor of Jeju Province Oh Young Hun (Photo: TITC)

Speaking at the meeting, Vietnam Tourism Ambassador in Korea Lee Chang Kun indicated, the operation of direct flights connecting Vietnam's destinations with Jeju Island is necessary, which will actively contribute to promoting the number of tourists from both sides.

Vietnam Tourism Ambassador in Korea Lee Chang Kun speaking at the meeting (Photo: TITC)

Highly appreciated opinions of the Governor of Jeju Province (Korea), VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh stressed, Vietnam and South Korea have established a 30-year diplomatic relationship. Korea is a comprehensive strategic partner of Vietnam in all fields such as diplomacy, economy, politics, including tourism.

Korea is a major economic investor in Vietnam. Along with the increasing number of Koreans living and working in Vietnam, Korean cultural, artistic and culinary activities are being widely promoted. Notably, Korean idol group Blackpink just held a concert in Ha Noi on 29th and 30th July.

VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh expresses his happiness at the growing tourism cooperation relationship between Vietnam and Korea (Photo: TITC)

Regarding the exchange of visitors between Vietnam and Korea, VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh expressed his pleasure that the number of tourists from Korea to Vietnam post the pandemic is growing rapidly. Korea is currently the leading tourist source market of Vietnam. In the first seven months of 2023, the number of Korean visitors to Vietnam reached nearly 1.9 million arrivals. Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, and Phu Quoc are places that are popular among Korean tourists. The tourism demand of Vietnamese and Korean people has improved markedly and continuously increased post the pandemic.

VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh informed the Governor of Jeju Province that from 15th August 2023, e-visa duration will be increased from 30 days to 90 days, valid for multiple entry to meet the demands of international tourists. Citizens of countries that are unilaterally exempted from visas by Vietnam will be granted temporary residence for 45 days (up from 15 days) and can be considered for visa issuance and temporary residence extension according to regulations.

Regarding tourism promotion activities, Vietnam has appointed Mr. Lee Chang Kun as Vietnam Tourism Ambassador in Korea since 2018 to support promotional activities to promote Vietnam tourism in Korea. In 2019, Mr. Lee Chang Kun opened the Vietnam Tourism Promotion Office in Korea and has been operating effectively so far.

Jeju is one of the favourite destinations of Vietnamese people when coming to Korea. Jeju Island (Korea) and Ha Long Bay of Vietnam are two places recognised by UNESCO as World Natural Heritage Sites and must-see tourist destinations. With the operation of direct flights connecting Ha Noi and Jeju Island, VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh believes that the number of tourists between the two countries will increase in the future.

Leaders of both sides exchanging souvenirs (Photo: TITC)

On this occasion, VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh suggested that Jeju Province share experiences in destination management, product development, destination promotion and participation of the local community in tourism development. VNAT will organise meetings with airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways and Vietravel Airlines on increasing frequency and operating additional direct routes connecting Vietnamese destinations with Jeju. At the same time, Jeju considers supporting the promotion of Vietnam's image at Jeju International Airport.

VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh hopes that the two sides will enhance information sharing and invite each other to attend major tourism events and activities of Vietnam and Jeju. Support each other in organising promotional activities in Vietnam and Jeju, connecting travel businesses of the two sides.

Delegates taking souvenir photo (Photo: TITC)

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