According to Carolina Tinangon, Indonesian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, the exhibition was meant to bring Indonesia’s tourism products closer to Vietnamese tourists, especially to Bali, which is very popular among them. Besides Bali, however, the event also sought to increase the Vietnamese people’s awareness of other Indonesian destinations and emphasize Indonesia’s cultural diversity. This is indeed a seminal moment in the cooperation on tourism that will provide a sound basis for long-term economic growth and cultural exchange between Vietnam and Indonesia.
Tourism Impact: Boosting Economic Opportunities and Expanding Market Reach
The tourism impact of the ‘Gateway to Paradise’ exhibition is already evident, with Vietnam’s growing outbound tourism providing a major opportunity for Indonesia’s tourism sector. Indonesia sees Vietnamese travelers as an important market, especially as Vietnam has a growing middle class with a rising interest in international travel.
By offering exclusive tour packages, the exhibition aimed to draw Vietnamese tourists to Indonesia, not only increasing the number of visitors to well-known destinations like Bali, but also promoting Indonesia’s lesser-known treasures. For Vietnam, this partnership means boosting economic revenues in the tourism sector, creating employment opportunities, and opening new markets for local businesses involved in tourism services. Local tour operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines in Vietnam stand to benefit from the increased demand for international travel to Indonesia.
Halal Tourism: A Growing Focus for Vietnam’s Tourism Industry
A key aspect of the exhibition was the focus on Halal tourism, an expanding segment of the global tourism market. Vietnam’s efforts to cater to Muslim travelers from Indonesia and other ASEAN countries are helping to unlock new tourism revenue streams. As Indonesia has a predominantly Muslim population, there is increasing demand for Halal-certified products—from food to cosmetics—when traveling abroad.
Vietnam’s tourism sector is capitalizing on this opportunity by offering Halal-certified services, from accommodation to cuisine, making it easier for Indonesian tourists to enjoy Vietnam’s offerings without the need to compromise on religious practices. Halal certification is becoming a critical tool for Vietnamese businesses aiming to tap into the growing ASEAN market and the rising demand for Halal-friendly destinations. This initiative contributes not only to Vietnam’s tourism growth but also strengthens bilateral trade between Vietnam and Indonesia.
Tourism-Driven Growth: Strengthening Regional Ties and Promoting Economic Prosperity
The exhibition also serves as a platform for Indonesia to promote destinations beyond Bali, such as Komodo National Park, Yogyakarta, and the Baliem Valley, all of which are increasingly sought after by Vietnamese travelers. By strengthening tourism cooperation and fostering cross-cultural exchanges, both Vietnam and Indonesia will continue to see significant growth in tourism arrivals, benefitting local businesses, tour operators, and hospitality sectors in both countries.
Pham Huy Binh, the Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, expressed that Indonesia is one of the key tourist markets for Ho Chi Minh City, accounting for a large share of the city’s international visitors. With tourist arrivals from Vietnam to Indonesia expected to rise in the coming years, this partnership is poised to generate new revenue streams, particularly in tourism services and travel-related businesses.
The economic benefits of tourism exchanges between Vietnam and Indonesia will also extend beyond tourism businesses. Airlines, transportation companies, and service providers will experience increased demand, contributing to job creation and economic prosperity in both nations.
A Bright Future for Vietnam-Indonesia Tourism Collaboration
Looking ahead, Vietnam and Indonesia’s growing tourism collaboration holds great potential for both nations. The exhibition is just the beginning of stronger tourism partnerships that will bring long-term economic benefits, particularly in sustainable tourism and cultural tourism. The ability to promote both Halal tourism and cultural exchange ensures that this partnership will be mutually beneficial, attracting more tourists from Vietnam to Indonesia while encouraging Indonesian visitors to explore Vietnam.
By combining cultural diplomacy, eco-tourism, and Halal tourism promotion, Vietnam and Indonesia are set to solidify their tourism ties and unlock future potential in both the travel industry and tourism-related sectors.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism Growth Between Vietnam and Indonesia
The ‘Gateway to Paradise’ tourism exhibition has successfully created a dynamic platform for tourism growth, cultural exchange, and economic development between Vietnam and Indonesia. As the two countries further deepen their tourism cooperation, they will drive increased tourism flows, economic prosperity, and cultural engagement, thus securing the partnership’s success for years to come.
With a growth in demand for Halal tourism, cultural experiences, and eco-conscious travel, Vietnam and Indonesia are in strategic positions to continue leading the path of tourism development in Southeast Asia, attracting visitors and offering sustainable tourism opportunities to future generations.
Tags: The Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA),Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism Indonesia Gateway to Paradise
