Vietnam and Turkey formalize partnership to fortify tourism collaboration
The Vietnam-Turkey Tourism Product Development Alliance, unveiled at a recent workshop hosted by the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club, is poised to significantly enhance bilateral tourism relations between the two nations. This strategic partnership, backed by government agencies, travel companies, and airlines from both Vietnam and Turkey, aims to increase tourist flows, foster business partnerships, and promote cultural and economic ties.
According to Truong Quoc Hung, chairman of the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club, the combination of expanded flight services and eVisa access marks a turning point for bilateral tourism relations. From September 1, Vietnamese citizens will be eligible for Turkey's eVisa programme, a move confirmed by Turkish Ambassador to Vietnam, Korhan Kemik. This simplification of the visa process is a demonstration of commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Turkey is expected to become a strategic outbound market for the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club in the near future. Korhan Kemik highlighted tourism as a bridge between societies, emphasising that this is not just about increasing visitor numbers, but also about cultivating mutual understanding and cultural ties between the two nations.
The alliance anticipates welcoming more Turkish travellers to explore Vietnam's unique charm. In response, Turkish Airlines is planning to increase flight frequency from October to meet rising demand. Country director Gayret Yuksel stated that Turkish Airlines is prepared to support Vietnamese travel firms with familiarisation trips, promotional fare policies, and co-branded marketing campaigns.
One of the key benefits of the alliance is the development of niche tourism products such as Halal tourism. Vietnam aims to expand inbound routes and develop Halal tourism products to better attract Turkish and Middle Eastern tourists, who have significant interest in Halal-friendly destinations. This cultural adaptation is expected to enhance visitor satisfaction and cross-cultural engagement.
The alliance also facilitates collaboration between tourism businesses through workshops, market surveys, and participation in international tourism fairs such as the ITF International Tourism Fair in Turkey. This fosters stronger partnerships and market expansion for travel agencies and tour operators from both countries.
Expanded tourism cooperation supports economic development by tapping into new markets and increasing foreign exchange earnings. This could contribute to Vietnam’s strategy of diversifying tourism offerings and Turkey’s aim of attracting more tourists from Southeast Asia. Beyond tourism, the eVisa is expected to serve as a catalyst for broader development in culture, education, trade, and people-to-people ties.
In summary, the Vietnam-Turkey Tourism Product Development Alliance is expected to enhance bilateral tourism flows, encourage specialized product development like Halal tourism, foster business partnerships, and ultimately promote cultural and economic ties benefiting both nations. The Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club and Turkish partners are preparing for Vietnam's participation at the International Tourism Fair in Turkey on September 25, marking another step forward in this promising alliance.
[1] Source: Information provided by the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club and Turkish partners.
Tourists from Turkey are likely to discover Vietnam's unique appeal, as the alliance anticipates an increase in Turkish travelers. To support this growth, Turkish Airlines is planning to boost flight frequency from October.
The partnership between the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club and Turkish partners aims not only to increase visitor numbers but also to cultivate mutual understanding and cultural ties, as tourism is seen as a bridge between societies.
