The move aims to offset the decline in the number of Chinese tourists to Vietnam in recent times due to the recent territorial dispute in the East Sea.

The Ministry of Transport plans to strengthen the transportation of travellers from countries like France, Germany and the UK which have not been affected by the East Sea situation. These countries are potential transport markets with an annual growth rate of 9%.

Ministry of Transport (MoT) leaders have proposed the Prime Minister assign the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to soon study and issue regulations on relaxing visa requirements for travellers from the aforementioned countries.

A MoT report shows the air transport sector saw a sharp decline in May and June as Chinese and Taiwan authorities warned local residents and visitors not to travel to Vietnam.

In June, the number of flights between Vietnam and China, Taiwan and Hong Kong decreased by 62%, 26% and 6.3% respectively.

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has cancelled 298 return flights to 12 destinations in China from mid-May to late October, except for those to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

At the same time, airlines from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong announced their flight cancellations until the end of October, meaning the number of flights to Vietnam should be reduced by 34%.

At present, China comprises 10% in the Vietnam Airlines’ international aviation market, which has affected the airline’s business plan./.