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Vietnam is new favourite destination of Indian tourists – Photo for illustration (Source: VOV)
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The article notes that the nation has become a popular destination known for its ancient towns and Buddhist pagodas, along with its flexibility in issuing visas for Indians.
William D’Souza, managing director of Globe Travels, said Dubai tends to be the most preferred international holiday destination among or a majority of Mangalureans, followed by Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
However, he revealed that many Indian tourists showed a keen interest in traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia this year, adding that the company processes travel documents for nearly 30 people visiting the nation each month.
Meanwhile, Eualia D’Souza of Lia Travels, outlined that factors such as value for money, flight tickets, accommodation, good food, and sightseeing opportunities are the main reasons attracting people to Vietnam, noting that the country is very safe, especially for senior citizens.
According to a recent report released by travel website MakeMyTrip, Vietnam, Hong Kong (China), and Istanbul of Turkey are the new favourite destinations for Indian tourists during the year-end period, along with traditional destinations such as Thailand, Dubai, Singapore, and Bali.
Flight booking data also indicates that the top international destinations for Indian tourists by the end of the year are the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Maldives, the United States, Nepal, the UK, Canada, and Vietnam.
The number of Indian visitors to the country during the 11-month period doubled compared to the same period from 2019 with 352,226, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Vietnam International Digital Week opens in Quang Ninh
The Vietnam International Digital Week 2023 opened in the northern province of Quang Ninh on December 12, said the Vietnam News Agency.
The four-day programme, the second of its kind, includes conferences, seminars and forums with the participation of representatives from management agencies, associations and businesses of ASEAN member countries and their dialogue partners.
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| Opening ceremony of Vietnam International Digital Week 2023 (Photo: VNA) |
They are expected to share experiences in issues related to policy planning, development strategies, technology and human resources, and propose solutions to major challenges and opportunities in the digital technology era for the ASEAN region and the world.
Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Cao Tuong Huy emphasised that the event is an opportunity for the locality to listen to experiences and solutions of ministers and representatives from international organisations and businesses in implementing digital transformation and developing digital government - digital economy - digital society.
This also offers a chance for Vietnamese and international enterprises to connect and establish partnerships to jointly research and develop artificial intelligence (AI) applications and introduce AI products developed by Vietnam to international friends, he added.
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| Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung (Photo: VNA) |
Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung stated that the development of AI brings about both opportunities and challenges, and decisions on how to use and regulate AI will play a decisive role in shaping the future.
Within the framework of the Vietnam International Digital Week 2023, delegates from countries are expected to focus on exchanging views on cooperation in technology development and popularisation of artificial intelligence applications, and 5G development and commercialisation; and share experiences in developing and exploiting digital infrastructure for digital government, accelerating digital infrastructure development, and building a safe and diverse cyberspace.
The opening and highlight of the event was a roundtable conference on narrow AI development and application.
T2 Terminal of Da Nang Airport awarded Welcome Chinese certification
The International passenger terminal (T2) of Da Nang International Airport was awarded the Welcome Chinese certification from the China Tourism Academy (CTA) on December 11 for the service quality received by Chinese tourists, said Radio the Voice of Vietnam.
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| The Da Nang International Terminal (Photo: vnexpress.net) |
This comes following the T2 terminal being given the highest class of the certification. Furthermore, it also becomes the first place in Southeast Asia to receive the Welcome Chinese certification.
In order to receive the certification, the terminal had to meet a number of criteria, such as flight information in Chinese, free Wi-Fi, a website in Chinese, a free hot water dispenser, and menus in Chinese.
Most notably, all stores in the terminal must allow UnionPay and Wechat Pay payment method, as well as having tax refund counters.
Worldwide, there are currently four international airports in France, Russia, Spain, and Saudi Arabia which have been awarded the Welcome Chinese certification.
Vietjet launches Hanoi- Siem Reap direct route
Air carrier Vietjet on December 12 held a ceremony to launch a new route linking Hanoi directly with Cambodia’s Siem Reap, said the Vietnam News Agency.
The event took place within the framework of the Vietnam-Cambodia investment and trade promotion forum with the attendance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, representatives from ministries, agencies and businesses of the two countries.
The flights will serve passengers from December 15, 2023, with seven round-trips per week and a flight time of 1 hour and 45 minutes per leg.
The Cambodian PM spoke highly of the opening, adding he hopé that Vietjet will open more routes connecting Vietnam with Cambodia.
According to a representative from Vietjet, the Hanoi - Siem Reap route will contribute to facilitating and promoting cooperation in investment, tourism, and cultural and educational exchanges between Vietnam and Cambodia.
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| Vietjet launches Hanoi- Siem Reap direct route (Photo: vietjetair.com) |
Flying with Vietjet, passengers also receive complimentary SkyCare insurance, experience flights on new aircraft with professional and dedicated crews, and enjoy
Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate.
As Vietnam’s largest private carrier, the airline has been awarded the highest ranking for safety with 7 stars by the world’s only safety and product rating website airlineratings.com and listed as one of the world's 50 best airlines for healthy financing and operations by Airfinance Journal.
The airline has also been named as Best Low-Cost Carrier by renowned organisations such as Skytrax, CAPA, and Airline Ratings./.