Bridging Iran and Vietnam Through Tourism

	Vietnam, Iran's Mashhad Province Boast Economic, Trade Ties
	Vietnam, Iran to Tap Potential and Opportunities for Tourism Development

Nguyen Kieu Oanh - Hanoi Tourism Association:

Spreading information about Iran to Vietnamese people

Nguyen Kieu Oanh from Hanoi Tourism Association (right) in an interview with VietnamTimes. (Photo: Hong Anh)

When learning about a destination, tourists often prioritize safety. This is a crucial aspect of the tourism industry. Currently, Vietnamese tourists have limited information about Iran. Therefore, it is essential to disseminate key information about Iran to Vietnamese citizens, enabling them to gain a better understanding of the country's situation, culture, and the hospitality and friendliness of its people.

For young individuals planning to travel alone to Iran, I recommend forming a group to apply for visas and buy plane tickets together. It is also advisable to hire a local guide to plan your trip. This approach helps save both money and time while ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience when visiting Iran.

Nguyen Thi Hien Giang - Founder of the Persian House brand

Vietnamese and Iranian entrepreneurs need to actively participate in international fairs and exhibitions

Nguyen Thi Hien Giang, Founder of the Persian House brand. (Photo: Thu Phuong)

From my first days in Iran, I have been amazed by the friendliness and enthusiastic support of my Iranian friends. When I began learning Persian, I found the language quite challenging. Having known my difficulties, my Iranian friends stayed up until 5 or 6 a.m. to help me study, and thanks to their support, I was able to pass my tests.

This experience inspired me to pursue a career involving Iran, focusing on trade promotion, import-export, and business with Iranian goods in Vietnam.

To enhance cooperation between Vietnamese and Iranian firms, I believe it is crucial for entrepreneurs from both countries to meet and exchange ideas. I recommend that businesses from Vietnam and Iran actively participate in international fairs and exhibitions.

These events provide valuable opportunities for interaction and mutual understanding. During such fairs, Iranian and Vietnamese entrepreneurs can arrange private meetings and exchanges, which will strengthen ties and foster relationships.

Furthermore, it is essential to communicate accurate information and verify businesses before entering into cooperation. This approach is vital for establishing trust and developing long-term commercial connections.

Le Thi Nhan - Director of Haseco Travel:

Recommending Iran organize trips for Vietnamese delegations

Le Thi Nhan, Director of HESECO TRAVEL. (Photo: Hong Anh)

I traveled to Iran in 2017 and have been thoroughly fascinated by the country's unique culture, architecture, and scenery. With these potentials, I believe Iran has numerous advantages in enhancing tourism cooperation with Vietnam.

However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the complex situation in the Middle East, there are still numerous challenges in meeting and implementing cooperation activities between enterprises of both sides.

In addition, Vietnamese tourists lack information about the situation in Iran. There are few flights between the two countries, and the tickets are expensive. These are the obstacles to developing tourism cooperation.

In the coming time, I suggest that the Iranian government and tourism agencies organize trips to Iran for Vietnamese business and media delegations to conduct surveys, exchange ideas, and share information, thereby promoting tourism cooperation. In addition, these trips can present more true-to-life images of Iranian situations, making international tourists feel more confident in the country's safety and peace.

Rohi Sajjadi, Representative of Fotros travel agency in Southeast Asia (L) discusses with Vietnamese business representatives at the "Iran - Southeast Asia Tourism Roadshow 2024 - Iran - Vietnam Tourism Conference" which takes place on July 1 in Hanoi. (Photo: Hong Anh)

Rohi Sajjadi - Representative of Fotros Travel Agency in Southeast Asia

Overcoming difficulties with flights and visa procedures

Our company brings more than 1,000 Iranian tourists to Vietnam annually, and the interest among Iranians in visiting Vietnam continues to grow. The two countries share many cultural similarities. Iranians admire the natural scenery, cuisine, and people of Vietnam. However, the primary challenges for Iranians traveling to Vietnam are related to flights and visas.

Currently, there are no direct flights between Iran and Vietnam, necessitating a layover in Dubai, which extends the total travel time to 10 or 15 hours. Additionally, the visa application process for Iranians wishing to visit Vietnam is quite challenging, requiring a minimum of five days. Occasionally, applications are rejected without clear explanations.

Recently, Iran has granted the 15-day visa requirement for Vietnamese citizens. I hope that Vietnam will reciprocate by offering visa incentives for Iranians. Furthermore, establishing direct flights between the two countries would greatly facilitate travel and interaction, thereby fully leveraging the potential for tourism cooperation.

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