A familiarization trip group of Indonesian tour operators visited Nha Trang City in the south-central Vietnamese province of Khanh Hoa for a survey tour, opening a wider door for the city to welcome more Indonesian tourists.

Le Thi Hong Minh, chairwoman of the Khanh Hoa Culinary Culture Association, said on Tuesday that the association held a culinary exchange program to introduce Nha Trang City’s delicacies to the group.

During their fam trip from Sunday to Tuesday, the representatives of Indonesia’s leading travel firms visited hotels and restaurants in the city, as well as experienced multiple tours to the Ba Ponagar Tower cluster,Hon Chong (Husband Islet), and Truong Son Craft Village.

“I think that Vietnam should boost cultural and spiritual tourism as the nation boasts various impressive towers and temples,” said Kevin from Indonesia’s Avia Tour Company.

“Island tours in Nha Trang City, which is similar to Bali Island, should focus on entertainment and relaxation tourism products.

“Over 87 percent of Indonesia’s population are Muslims, so seafood and vegetarian diets are suitable for Indonesians."

Kevin also said that his firm is selling tours from Indonesia to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang City. After this trip, the company will offer tours to Nha Trang.

A representative of Viking Travel said that Indonesian visitors tend to spend a lot on shopping during their tours. Muslims will choose restaurants and hotels meeting Halal standards.

Halal refers to food products and services that adhere to Muslim law.

“Easy visa requirements and a short air route between the two nations are among the advantages enabling Khanh Hoa Province to serve Indonesian travelers. The province should also enhance tourism promotional programs to popularize its cuisine, culture, and tourist sites among Indonesians and foreign holidaymakers,” said the representative.

Hong Minh from the Khanh Hoa Culinary Culture Association said that before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a non-stop air service between Indonesia and Khanh Hoa Province. However, no air routes between the two sides are now operational, leading to few Indonesian travelers visiting the province.

“Hopefully, Nha Trang City will welcome more Indonesian tourists after this trip,” Minh said.

Statistics from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism indicated that Vietnam welcomed over 53,200 tourists arriving from Indonesia between January and July. The figure remains modest compared to Indonesia’s population of 280 million people.

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