Vietnam, Bulgaria Eye Deeper Tourism Ties

Vietnam and Bulgaria reaffirmed their commitment to advancing legal and judicial cooperation, describing it as one of the key pillars of bilateral relations. This underscores the mutual intent to deepen collaboration across various sectors, including tourism, under the framework of their strategic partnership. Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet highlighted that the Vietnam – Bulgaria Strategic Partnership has opened up fresh opportunities for cooperation in logistics, maritime transport, port operations, information technology, education, and coastal tourism. Such events and partnerships are seen as crucial for fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Vietnam's tourism sector continues to show robust performance in the Russian market, ranking fourth in July for best-selling package tour destinations and increasing its market share. This indicates Vietnam's growing appeal as a diverse travel destination. Vietnam's tourism appeal lies not in a single attraction but in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture. Colorful highland markets, traditional festivals, and centuries-old craft villages remain integral parts of everyday life, creating distinctive visitor experiences. Furthermore, Vietnam is focusing on building its brand as a new destination for Halal tourism. Efforts include improving institutional frameworks, developing human resources, expanding Halal-certified services, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting business partnerships. The promotion of sustainable tourism is also a key focus, with a circular tourism model embracing a regenerative approach. This model goes beyond reducing environmental impacts, aiming to restore ecosystems, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen the resilience of local communities. Domestically, Hanoi aims to welcome over 9 million foreign arrivals this year and has already achieved more than half of that target in the first half of the year. This milestone is a source of pride for the city's tourism industry and a positive signal of its growing appeal to international travelers. Phu Quoc Island, in particular, is emerging as a representative destination with ongoing development in infrastructure, hospitality, and international cooperation projects in preparation for APEC 2027 and beyond. Paris Match has reported that Vietnam's appeal extends beyond its landscapes and luxury resorts, highlighting its unique combination of nature, history, cultural heritage, and local life. Vietnam's tourism performance is widely regarded as a bright spot amidst global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, slowing economic growth, and rising travel costs. The country received approximately 1.7 million international visitors in June alone, an increase from the same month last year, demonstrating continued growth. Information source: VietnamPlus English