Vietnam to Revamp Tourism Strategy: Focus on Cultural and Specialty Products for High Value

Vietnam is undertaking a comprehensive review of its tourism strategy. This new approach focuses on highlighting Geographical Indication (GI) products, rich regional cuisine, and historical cultural heritage from various regions across the country to offer a more high-value travel experience. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), in collaboration with the Department of Internal Trade and the Department of Intellectual Property, aims to further enhance tourism appeal by positioning unique regional GI products as the "face" of tourism. The goal is to encourage travelers to not only visit tourist sites but also to engage with the local food culture and traditions, thereby increasing traveler satisfaction and extending their stays. This strategy aims to maximize the economic value of Vietnamese tourism by increasing the spending per traveler, rather than solely focusing on increasing visitor numbers. The integration of GI products with travel experiences is also expected to contribute to the revitalization of regional economies. Under Vietnam's one-party system, state-led economic policies are promoted, with the tourism industry being identified as one of its crucial pillars. While Vietnam's economy has achieved remarkable growth in recent years, a transition to higher-quality tourism services is essential for sustaining this growth. In particular, in relation to China, while economic dependence is high, it is considered important to diversify tourism markets while also considering geopolitical balance. This new tourism strategy is expected to be a significant step for Vietnam in establishing its position as a more competitive and attractive destination in the international tourism market.