Co-organised by the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) and the Ha Noi Promotion Agency (HPA), the event brought together over 100 representatives of local tourism and trade associations, travel companies, airlines and press agencies, along with Vietnamese diplomats, reporters and businesspeople. 

According to VNAT General Director Nguyen Van Tuan, to affirm their positions in the Canadian market, Vietnamese travel companies need to make preparations, take suitable solutions, create differences, provide high-quality services and show their friendliness. 

The number of Canadian tourists to Viet Nam has remained limited, standing at only 138,242 in 2017 and 104,057 in the first eight months of this year, Tuan said. 

Nguyen Dai Trang, Director of the Canada-Viet Nam Trade Council, suggested Vietnamese enterprises focus on such groups of Canadian holiday-makers as youths, families, and schools and businesses that want to travel to Viet Nam first and then seek educational and economic cooperation opportunities in the country. 

Rajat Chhabra, General Director of Radisson Suite Hotel, expressed his optimism about Viet Nam’s tourism potential with people, culture, art and cuisine factors, believing that Viet Nam’s tourism promotion in North America will bring about rosy prospects. 

Viet Nam’s tourism has gradually affirmed its position globally, as reflected through titles and awards given to the country recently. 

The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association has selected Viet Nam as an “emerging destination for luxury travel”. The country was also honoured as “Asia’s Leading Destination” by the World Travel Awards in early September. 

In 2017, Viet Nam welcomed nearly 13 million international tourists, up 29 percent against the previous year. The tourism sector generated 23 billion USD, contributing about 8 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). 

Many participating businesses expressed their belief that after the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) comes into effect, the favourable business environment will create new waves of Canadian investment into Viet Nam.

The Tourism Roadshow in North America in September continues to send the message of “Viet Nam - Timeless Charm” to international friends.