The launching ceremony of Vietnam Medical Tourism Alliance (VMTA) brings together stakeholders from healthcare, tourism, technology and finance to develop a unified ecosystem. — Photos courtesy of SHB

HÀ NỘI — The Vietnam Medical Tourism Alliance (VMTA) was officially launched in Hà Nội on Tuesday, marking the start of a strategic, cross-sector model aimed at positioning Việt Nam as a leading global hub for integrated medical tourism.

The alliance brings together stakeholders from healthcare, tourism, technology and finance to develop a unified ecosystem aligned with international standards. It operates under the orientation of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ministry of Health's Department of Medical Service Administration.

The establishment of VMTA is seen as a key step in strengthening linkages across sectors, unlocking existing potential and enhancing the competitiveness of Việt Nam’s medical tourism industry amid rapid regional growth.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Nguyễn Trùng Khánh, head of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, said the event holds special significance for both the healthcare and tourism sectors.

“This marks the formation of an alliance and opens the way for developing a new product in line with the Party and State’s policies, while effectively leveraging Việt Nam’s existing potential," he said.

"It will help tourism become a spearhead economic sector and contribute to the country’s double-digit growth target."

Hà Anh Đức, head of the Department of Medical Service Administration, highlighted Việt Nam’s strong advantages in healthcare and expressed confidence that the alliance would help maximise these strengths.

VMTA has set out key missions, including integrating and mobilising national resources, standardising medical tourism services to international benchmarks and building a seamless, transparent and personalised patient journey.

It also aims to accelerate the development of a digital ecosystem and enhance Việt Nam’s position on the global medical tourism map.

Technology is expected to play a central role, enabling connectivity across the ecosystem, ensuring smooth data flows and improving customer experience.

According to Trần Thế Việt, a VMTA representative, the alliance has set ambitious targets for 2030. These include building an integrated network linking travel agencies, tour operators, accommodation providers and internationally accredited healthcare facilities; attracting an additional 1-2 million medical tourists to Việt Nam; increasing average stays from seven to eight nights to 15-30 nights; and generating annual revenue of US$3-5 billion.

The alliance also aims to ensure that all transactions are conducted on digital platforms and to position Việt Nam as a leading destination in key medical tourism segments.

Ngô Thu Hà, CEO of SHB delivered a speech at the ceremony. — Photos courtesy of SHB

Saigon - Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) has joined the alliance as a founding member and financial partner. Its CEO, Ngô Thu Hà, said the bank’s role goes beyond providing financial services.

“We see SHB as both a financial and technology partner, contributing to comprehensive digital transformation within the medical tourism ecosystem," she said.

"Through digital payment solutions, hospital fee guarantees, integrated financing and service digitalisation platforms, we aim to work with partners to build a seamless, convenient and transparent experience for citizens, tourists and businesses.”

The launch of VMTA represents a concrete step in implementing major Party and State policies on tourism, healthcare and digital transformation. It also aligns with key resolutions on international integration and breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation.

As regional competition intensifies, Việt Nam is gradually entering the Asian medical tourism market by building an integrated ecosystem that connects healthcare, tourism, finance and technology into a national competitive advantage.

The debut of VMTA not only signals the start of a new cooperation model, but also opens a more structured and strategic phase of international integration, with the long-term goal of establishing a national brand for Việt Nam’s medical tourism sector. — VNS