Vietnam has pointed out that visa facilitation is a crucial factor in expanding tourism cooperation with two major markets: South Korea and Taiwan.
The Vietnam News Agency reports that this key point was made during a seminar held in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday, 23rd August. The event was jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, the Travel Association, and the Golf Tourism Association as a venue for strengthening two-way tourism exchanges while supporting Vietnamese businesses in dealing with these important markets.
Notable source markets
HCMC Tourism Association vice-chair Nguyen Viet Anh noted that both South Korea and Taiwan have long been among Vietnam’s leading sources of international visitors. Arrivals from the two markets have grown steadily, even as more Vietnamese make their way to these destinations.
Nguyen explained the seminar provides a timely channel for tourism enterprises to directly engage with officials from the RoK Consulate General and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Ho Chi Minh City to receive updated information on visa regulations and procedures.
According to You Sang Byun of the visa section of South Korea’s Consulate-General in HCMC, visa policy plays a decisive role in attracting visitors. He stressed that the RoK has consistently sought to make it easier for Vietnamese travelers to obtain visas, helping businesses streamline processes and reduce errors.
Similarly, Derek Chou, chief representative of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau in Vietnam, underscored how Taiwan is committed to enhancing cooperation with Vietnam. He said updated visa policies would support joint efforts to promote tourism and encourage the development of new tourism products tailored to diverse customer needs.
A boon for golfers in Asia
Doan Ngoc Thao, deputy director-general of The Swing Sports Tourism Joint Stock Company, pointed out that golf tourism is thriving, particularly among high-spending visitors from South Korea and Taiwan. Annual growth in this segment has averaged between ten and 15 percent, with strong rebounds following the COVID-19 pandemic. Doan emphasized that Vietnam’s recent visa reforms including broader exemptions, extended stays, and convenient e-visas have been a decisive factor in drawing more golfers, encouraging longer visits and repeat trips.
She added that golf tourism is not only a sport experience but also contributes to enhancing the image of the destination, promoting related services such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation. If Vietnam can maintain or expand favorable visa policies, the country will soon become the leading destination in Asia for golf tourists from South Korea, Taiwan, and beyond.
