The Vietnamese government has made significant strides to boost its tourism sector through the recently announced "Vietnam - Let's Go for Love" initiative for 2025. This program, aligned with Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP dated January 15, 2025, includes various measures intended to promote tourism, including the temporary suspension of visa requirements for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
Effective from March 1, 2025, until December 31, 2025, travelers from these countries can enter Vietnam for up to 45 days for tourism purposes without needing a visa, provided they participate in programs organized by licensed international travel businesses within Vietnam. This is part of broader efforts to attract international visitors and enrich cultural exchanges.
Previously, the government enacted Resolution No. 32/NQ-CP, which exempted visa requirements for 13 other countries, including Germany, France, and Japan. The focus of such initiatives is not merely to boost tourism numbers but to nurture international cultural cooperation and highlight Vietnam's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse culinary offerings.
To implement the "Vietnam - Let's Go for Love" project effectively, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is facilitating the registration of travel programs for citizens of the three nations. Business entities must submit their registrations to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, marking the beginning of what could be a historic influx of tourists.
Discounts and promotional offers play a key role as well, with participants enjoying up to 50% off on various services, including accommodation, transportation, dining, and entertainment. This is intended to increase the overall experience of travelers and encourage them to explore Vietnam's rich offerings.
Participants can look forward to well-curated tours accommodating diverse interests: from cultural and culinary tourism to eco-tourism and resort getaways. The ministry is committed to ensuring service quality and enhancing overall tourist experiences through effective program promotion.
Local authorities, along with the national government, are expected to collaborate closely to support and streamline the travel process. For example, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Defense have been tasked to facilitate safe and seamless entry and exit for tourists, thereby alleviating concerns surrounding travel logistics.
Another component of the initiative includes enhancing promotional activities aimed at key markets. Various events highlighting Vietnamese cultural destinations will take place across Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland throughout the year. These efforts coincide with celebrations of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and these countries, providing ample opportunities for cultural exchange.
Vietnam has also planned to increase the frequency of flights and establish direct routes from these countries to facilitate easier travel for international tourists. The Vietnam National Tourism Administration will spearhead workshops and seminars aimed at developing tourism products and exploring potential new destinations for foreign tour operators.
This comprehensive strategy aims to enrich the tourism experience and attract up to 23 million international tourists and 130 million domestic tourists by the end of 2025. By crafting localized packages encompassing cultural, culinary, and eco-tourism experiences, Vietnam is poised to offer unique value propositions.
The initiative's success will depend on the active participation of local tourism businesses, which are encouraged to contribute with promotional offerings and packaged tourism experiences relevant to their market strengths. Tourist hotspots like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ha Long Bay will play pivotal roles during this promotional phase, ensuring Vietnam is positioned as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map.
The government has also launched digital marketing campaigns across various platforms and travel websites, providing updated information about tourism programs and promotional incentives. This initiative looks to cater to the needs of international tourists and provide them with all necessary details to maximize their travel experiences.
Through high-quality service and substantial promotional efforts, Vietnam hopes to significantly uplift its tourism sector. The new visa exemption program and upcoming events will serve as stepping stones to solidify its position on the international tourism stage.
Overall, the "Vietnam - Let's Go for Love" tourism initiative heralds a new chapter for Vietnam, enhancing its attractiveness as a destination and fostering lasting relationships with international tourists.