Photo: Hương Giang

Following the meeting between Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud, Deputy Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia on October 19, 2023, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia have agreed to promote bilateral tourism in a bid of making the two countries more accessible to their respective visitors and tourists. 

Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud expressed her support and Saudi Arabia’s goodwill by promising to review their eVisa policy towards citizens of this Southeast Asia nation. Up to now, Vietnam passport holders cannot send visa applications via Saudi Arabia’s eVisa portal but visit Embassies/Consulates or visa agencies in person to obtain a visa, which is often slow, confusing, and time-consuming. 

Additionally, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia also planned to operate direct flights between two countries in the near future.

During the meeting, the Minister asked for the joint of Saudi Arabia to educate each other about tourist taste and standards and laws regulating the hospitality field such as accommodation facilities and tourism investment, etc. In response, Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud said that in the near future, the Kingdom's Ministry of Tourism will work with domestic travel and tourism companies to research and develop inbound packages to suit the tastes of Vietnamese citizens.

Vietnam has focused on implementing Project "Strengthening international cooperation to build and develop Vietnam's Halal industry until 2030", issued and approved by the Prime Minister, with Saudi Arabia as an important market and partner in every sector, especially tourism. 

In the upcoming years, Halal industry in general and Halal tourism in particular will be a crucial market for Vietnam. Namely, Halal tourism provides services that cater to the needs of Muslim travelers, includes Halal-friendly accommodations, Halal food options, and considerations for prayer facilities. 

Signing ceremony of "Action Program in the field of tourism" between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia (Photo: Huong Giang)

To conclude the meeting, the two leaders unanimously signed the "Action Program in the field of tourism", opening more doors for the next meetings.