The scheme is part of a series of activities to promote Vietnamese tourism in European countries.
Addressing the launching ceremony, Nguyen Trung Khanh, director of the VNAT, emphasised that the programme offers an opportunity for Vietnam to introduce its policies, destinations, and tourism products to the European market.
It also represents an ideal venue for tourism firms seeking to establish business ties, attract tourists from France, Germany, Italy, and other European countries to travel to Vietnam and vice versa.
“The Vietnamese tourism industry targets high spending international visitors who stay longer, and aims to preserve natural resources,” he said.
He expressed his belief that the outcomes of the promotional programme in France would open up prospects ahead for Vietnamese tourism this year.
Despite enduring adverse impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe remains a key market for Vietnamese tourism.
Last year the country welcomed over 1.4 million European visitors, representing an increase of 187% compared to 2022. During the first five months this year, more than 975,000 European travellers arrived in the country, up 57.1% year on year.
Nguyen Tien Hoang, head of Vietnam Airlines branch in France and Europe, said that the airline's flights between Europe and Vietnam have been restored, and it is co-ordinating with the VNAT to launch new air routes to meet the demand of tourists.
Vietnam Airlines is planning to open additional routes to potential destinations such as Munich from October, as well as Milan and Copenhagen ahead in 2025, he revealed.
Meanwhile, Laure Cardellini, a representative of Asie Land, said the company has deployed many tourism products in the country, including tours to Ha Long Bay, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, noting that there is ample room to boost tourism development in the country.
