Hanoi (VNA) 𒈔- Tourism authorities of Vietnam and Thailand have been working together to boost a tourism network among six regional countries, namely Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

A working session within this framework was held in Hanoi on January 3 between Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong and a Thai delegation led by advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Dusit Manapan. The discussion focused on the 'Six Countries, One Destination' initiative, which aims to enhance tourism collaboration among the six ASEAN member countries. This initiative also seeks to redefine regional tourism and in turn strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand At the meeting, Dusit outlined that the project aims to facilitate easier travel among participating nations by simplifying immigration procedures, including exploring the possibility of a shared visa system. This common visa would allow tourists to visit multiple countries within the ASEAN bloc seamlessly. The initiative also envisions fast-track immigration lanes, enhanced business networks and coordinated promotional campaigns to position the six nations as a unified destination. This collaborative approach is expected to significantly boost tourist exchanges within ASEAN while attracting international travellers from key markets such as the United States, Europe and South Asia, said Dusit. He also highlighted the initiative’s potential to enrich tourists’ experiences by offering diverse and interconnected travel opportunities across these culturally rich nations. Regarding bilateral tourism cooperation between the two countries, Dusit emphasised the substantial potential for improving infrastructure, including road, waterway and air connections, to support seamless travel. Strengthening these networks would encourage more frequent exchanges between the two nations’ citizens and foster economic growth through tourism. Phong expressed Vietnam’s strong support for the initiative, acknowledging its alignment with the broader goals of ASEAN cooperation in culture, sports and tourism. He underlined the need for joint efforts in creating new tourism products that leverage the unique strengths of both nations. The Deputy Minister proposed collaborative participation in trade fairs, promotional events and tourism exhibitions hosted in each country. These efforts would not only increase tourist exchanges but also attract investments and foster business partnerships. He noted Vietnam’s desire for Thailand’s support in training its workforce, while emphasising the country’ commitment to creating favourable conditions for international tourists by maintaining an open and liberal visa policy. Vietnam is actively researching potential markets to expand its list of countries eligible for unilateral and bilateral visa exemptions. This effort aligns with the goals of the 'Six Countries, One Destination' initiative, where simplified visa procedures are expected to play a pivotal role in attracting global tourists, according to the Deputy Minister. At the event, both sides expressed their optimism about the potential of the six countries' initiative in transforming regional tourism. Phong described the project as a major step toward elevating cultural, sports and tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand to a new height./.