Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam-Austria Tourism Forum, themed “Connecting Destinations, Building Bridges,” was held in Austria on October 13 to showcase tourism potential, connect businesses and boost two-way visitor exchanges, fostering tourism cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang underlined the considerable untapped potential for bilateral tourism cooperation, particularly as the two countries prepare to celebrate the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. He described this as an opportunity to strengthen friendship, expand economic cooperation and promote people-to-people exchanges through tourism.
According to the diplomat, Vietnam welcomed more than 21 million international visitors in 2025. In the first nine months of this year, the figure reached 17.7 million, up 14.5% year-on-year. The country aims to serve about 25 million foreign arrivals this year, building on its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, beaches, cave systems and diverse cuisine.
Vietnam has also been named the World’s Leading Heritage Destination six times, Asia’s Leading Destination seven times and Asia’s Best Culinary Destination four times, Hoang added.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang speaks at the forum. (Photo: VNA)
Hoang highlighted improved air connectivity as a key factor in increasing visitor exchanges. With no direct flights between Vienna and Vietnam, travellers from both countries often transit through aviation hubs such as Frankfurt, Paris, Istanbul or Doha. Better transport links would shorten journeys and facilitate tourism and people-to-people exchanges, he said.
At the forum, Mai Xuan Liem, Standing Vice Chairman of Vietnam's Thanh Hoa provincial People’s Committee, introduced the province’s historical, cultural and natural attractions. He said nature exploration, hiking, heritage tours and local-life experiences could appeal to Austrian travelers. He said Thanh Hoa plans to step up promotion, assess market demand and develop suitable tour programmes.
According to Tong Thi Thu Hien, FLC Group’s representative in the EU and Germany, Vietnam and Austria had complementary tourism strengths. Austria is known for the Alps, historic cities, cultural heritage and musical traditions, while Vietnam boasts a long coastline, bays, mountains and diverse cultures. These strengths provide a basis for developing two-way tours and expanding business cooperation.
Representing Austria’s Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, Ingrid Zimmermann said Vietnam was becoming increasingly attractive to Austrian travellers for its natural beauty, cultural heritage and hospitality. She urged businesses, management agencies and tourism organisations to use the forum to exchange information, seek partners and develop concrete cooperation programmes.
Zimmermann said tourism plays an important role in job creation and local economic development, particularly in rural and mountainous areas of the Central European nation.
The country is implementing its Vision T tourism strategy, which promotes year-round sustainable development while balancing economic efficiency, local community interests and the preservation of natural and cultural resources. As Asian markets grow in importance, Austria hopes to strengthen cooperation and visitor exchanges with Vietnam.
The forum is expected to create further opportunities for tourism authorities, travel companies and aviation partners to connect, promote destinations, diversify tourism products and advance bilateral cooperation./.
VNA
See more
Lung Cu attracts visitors to Tuyen Quang as buckwheat flowers burst into bloom
With around 70 hectares of buckwheat flowers in bloom and tourism facilities undergoing improvements, Lung Cu is poised to become an appealing destination for the year-end travel season in 2026.
Lao Cai seeks breakthroughs with wellness tourism ecosystem
With its cool climate, mountain scenery and rich cultural and natural resources, the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai aims to turn its advantages into a high-quality tourism brand through smart resort services and health care experiences.
Tuyen Quang teams up with China's Wenshan to draw tourists
Under the 2026 cultural and tourism cooperation agenda, the two sides are sharing information on policies, markets and tourism products, as well as issues arising in cross-border activities.
Quang Tri to host week-long culture and tourism festival
The opening ceremony and an art programme under the same theme will take place on November 24 at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Phong Nha commune, highlighting the UNESCO-listed natural heritage site and promoting cave exploration tours.
Pink month brings a sweet October escape to Phu Quoc’s Sunset Town
Available from October 5 through October 30, the French bakery’s Pink Month Collection 2026 introduces shades ranging from delicate blush to vibrant pink across macarons, éclairs, and flower-shaped mousse cakes. Created exclusively for October, the collection brings a seasonal flourish to the pastry counter and a fresh reason to pause amid a day of sightseeing.
Korean media highlights Phu Quoc spending surge as card payments rise 160%
In an article published on October 6 examining how travellers from the RoK spend at holiday destinations including Hawaii, Okinawa, Guam and Vietnam, NC Press drew particular attention to Phu Quoc’s strong growth.
After Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, what new chapter will Phu Quoc bring to Vietnam’s Michelin map?
From 2023 to 2026, the Michelin Guide helped define Vietnam’s culinary landscape through three distinct destinations: Hanoi, refined and deeply rooted in heritage and traditional flavours; Ho Chi Minh City, dynamic, diverse and endlessly inventive; and Da Nang, approachable yet rich in the distinctive tastes of central Vietnam.
Phu Quoc named Asia’s best island in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island has topped Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 list of the best islands in Asia. The ranking highlights Phu Quoc’s natural beauty, including its long white-sand beaches, clear waters and diverse ecosystems.
When food becomes a “Culinary Ambassador” for Phu Quoc to win over international travellers
Some journeys begin with a natural landmark or an iconic structure. But others start with something much simpler - food. According to EY’s 2025 Beyond the Michelin Stars study, 74% of travellers consider the presence of restaurants and dishes featured in the Michelin Guide when choosing a destination.
Condé Nast Traveler names InterContinental Danang Best Resort in Asia for 2026
On October 6, Condé Nast Traveler announced its “Top 15 Resorts in Asia” list as part of the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort ranked first with a score of 98.76, ahead of Wildflower Hall, Shimla - an Oberoi resort in India - which placed second with 98.56. The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh, took third place with 98.36.
Hanoi to unveil beverage tourism map at 2026 festival
The Hanoi Beverage Tourism Map will feature notable cafés, beverage and cocktail venues with QR codes providing destination information.
Buckwheat blossoms help extend tourism season in stone plateau
Phan Duc Nam, Chairman of the Dong Van commune People's Committee, said the locality is focusing not only on flower cultivation but also on improving landscapes, environmental sanitation and tourism services. The goal is to give visitors more reasons to stay longer and return at other times of the year.
Son Doong Cave tour operator warns of fake booking websites
Oxalis Adventure urged travellers to be especially wary of sites that appear through online ads or use domains resembling Oxalis's, and should not transfer money until booking details are clearly verified.
Phu Quoc sweeps prestigious Condé Nast global island rankings
The results from the US edition of Condé Nast revealed that Phu Quoc clinched the top spot in Asia with an impressive 95.26 points, outperforming Boracay, Palawan (the Philippines), Bali (Indonesia), and Phuket (Thailand).
From APEC to Michelin: New opportunities for Phu Quoc to extend stays, boost spending
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, has observed that Phu Quoc’s culinary identity is shaped by the interplay between fishing-village food culture and restaurants with an international character. This provides a foundation for the island to develop itineraries offering a variety of experiences and price points.
Michelin comes to Phu Quoc: Which restaurants could win the island’s first star?
Following Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, Phu Quoc will become the fourth destination in Vietnam to be covered by the Michelin Guide’s inspectors. Restaurants on the island are set to feature in the Michelin Guide Vietnam 2027, due to be announced in the middle of next year.
Ha Long Bay - world wonder worth seeing at least once in lifetime: French journal
Routard.com noted that despite becoming a major tourist destination, the bay has retained its otherworldly beauty. To fully appreciate the scenery, visitors are advised to spend more time exploring and venture beyond the busiest tourist routes.
Travel firms drive tourist flows, boost tourism value
Travel companies should play a key role in directing tourist flows and linking the tourism value chain, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the tourism sector. They should go beyond selling tours to understand market demand, design products, connect services, organise tourist flows, manage risks and contribute to shaping destination images.
Vietnam welcomes 17.7 million international visitors in January - September
September alone saw 1.77 million foreign visitors arrive in Vietnam, up 16.1% from the same month last year.
Vietnam steps up tourism promotion on global markets
Experts say that to turn advantages into high-value tourist arrivals, tourism promotion needs to move beyond fragmented activities towards large-scale, long-term campaigns tailored to target markets and closely linked to actual visitor experiences.