Hanoi (VNA) - A cultural exchange was held in Hanoi on November 27, featuring the tourism of China's Guangxi province.

At the event, Ho An Phong, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, highlighted the long-standing and traditional friendship between Vietnam and China and progress in bilateral cooperation in all fields, including culture and tourism.

Vietnam and China share a common border and cultural similarities, while their longstanding friendship has been fostered by generations of leaders of the two sides, creating favourable conditions for bilateral cultural exchanges, tourism promotion, and socioeconomic development, he said.

The official noted that in tourism, China is one of Vietnam's largest markets. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Vietnam welcomed 5.8 million Chinese visitors, accounting for nearly one-third of its total international arrivals, while about 4.5 million Vietnamese tourists traveled to China. In 2023, Vietnam welcomed over 1.7 million Chinese visitors, recovering 30% of the pre-pandemic level. In the first 10 months of 2024, more than 3 million Chinese tourists visited Vietnam, marking a 130% surge compared to the same period in 2023.

Recognising untapped potential in bilateral cultural and tourism cooperation, Phong called for deeper collaboration between the two nations in the future.

With support from the two governments, several cross-border tourism initiatives have been launched. The Ban Gioc (Vietnam) - Detian (China) Waterfall landscape site has officially opened, offering new opportunities for transnational tourism. The Beihai (Guangxi, China) – Ha Long (Quang Ninh, Vietnam) sea route is now operational, providing unique maritime experiences for travellers, the official said.

Chen Yijun, member of the standing board of the Guangxi Party Committee and Head of the Committee’s Publicity Department, expressed her hopes for enhanced cultural and tourism cooperation. She highlighted the upcoming 75th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations in 2025 as a milestone for fostering deeper collaboration. Planned initiatives include promoting cross-border tourism, developing new tourism models such as cultural experiences and eco-resort stays, and organising exchange programmes for youth to strengthen traditional friendship.

The event featured presentations on Guangxi's unique tourism offerings, including its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture. Special winter tourism packages tailored for Vietnamese travelers were also introduced.

A highlight of the event was the signing of cross-border tourism cooperation agreements between Vietnamese and Chinese travel companies. These agreements aim to enhance mutual market access, expand tourism offerings, and facilitate the exchange of visitors.

Minh The Long, Deputy General Director of Kim Lien Travel, praised the event as an excellent opportunity for travel businesses from both countries to explore cultural and tourism resources. He noted that the similarities and differences in natural landscapes, cuisine, and culture make Vietnam and China attractive destinations for tourists seeking diverse experiences.

🅷 Long expressed his hope that travel companies in both nations will continue to promote tourism, increasing the flow of visitors and strengthening the bond between the people of Vietnam and China./.