Illustrative image. — AFP/VNA Photo

BEIJING — The Chinese Government's decision to add Việt Nam to the list of countries that can receive groups of tourists from March 15, 2023, is expected to further promote the recovery and development of tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries after years of disruptions.

China was the largest tourism market of Việt Nam before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. In 2019, Việt Nam welcomed 5.8 million Chinese visitors, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of total foreign tourists to the country. Meanwhile, 4.5 million Vietnamese traveled to China in the year.

The reopening of group tours to Việt Nam has been welcomed by Chinese people and travel firms.

Li Yushan, a Chinese who had visited Việt Nam, said that this is good news for her as she has had brilliant experiences in Việt Nam and loves Vietnamese destinations and food. Li said she will take her family and friends to Việt Nam soon.

Meanwhile, Xu Xingwei, director of a local travel firm in Beijing, said that he hoped authorised agencies from both countries will offer favourable conditions in procedures for tourism activities.

Welcoming the Chinese Government's decision, Vietnamese Ambassador to China Phạm Sao Mai said that the resumption of group tours will create momentum for the promotion of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, positively contributing to boosting bilateral economic, trade and investment ties, and deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Highlighting the sound collaboration in tourism between the two countries before COVID-19 broke out, the diplomat held that China's reopening of group tours will help the tourism sectors of both countries speed up their recovery and development, benefiting both sides and contributing to fostering friendship between the two nations. — VNS