Strengthening Vietnam-China Tourism: A Productive Meeting at Furama Resort Da Nang

On December 8, 2024, the Furama Resort Da Nang hosted a high-level meeting between the Chinese Travel Delegation and the Vietnamese Tourism Delegation to discuss collaborative efforts for promoting tourism and economic ties between Vietnam and China.

Key Participants
The meeting brought together influential leaders from both countries:

Chinese Delegation:

• Jian Yi, Deputy General Manager of China Travel Group
• Cheng Chunhua, Deputy General Manager of Overseas Business, China Travel Group
• Wu Mingyuan, Deputy General Manager of China Travel Service
• Chen Hanglian, General Manager of the Chinese Visa Service Center in Vietnam
• Tran Thi Nga, Head of Da Nang Visa Center and meeting interpreter
• Tang Shu, Incentive Tourism Department, China International Conference & Exhibition Company

Vietnamese Delegation:

• Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT)
• Nguyen Quy Phuong, Director of Travel Department, VNAT
• Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of Da Nang Tourism Association and Vietnam Society of Travel Agents.
• Nguyen Duc Quynh, Vice Chairman of Vietnam Hotel Association and Danang Tourism Association, Chairman of Danang Hotel Association, General Director of  Indochine Beach Hotel Joint Stock Company (Furama Resort Danang), General Director of Menas Vietnam Company.

Key Discussion Points

(a) Presentation by Jian Yi, Deputy General Manager of China Travel Group:

1. China Travel Group is a central enterprise under the Chinese government and the only central enterprise specializing in tourism. The group owns assets worth $50 billion, employs 43,000 people, and generates approximately $1 billion in annual profits, with 60 overseas branches worldwide.

2. In Vietnam, the group operates three visa centers in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. In 2024, the group processed 340,000 visa applications for Vietnamese citizens traveling to China.

3. The group appreciates the support of the Vietnamese government, especially for the Sino-Vietnamese cross-border tourism project at Ban Gioc Waterfall. This project, launched on September 15, 2023, is a key initiative between the two countries. Since its launch, it has hosted approximately 15,000 tourists, including 9,000 Chinese and 6,000 Vietnamese visitors.

4. The group is also developing cruise projects, with plans to launch two cruise routes in April 2025: Hong Kong – Ha Long Bay – Da Nang and Guangzhou – Da Nang – Ha Long Bay, with weekly sailings.

5. In 2024, the group organized two exchange events directed by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), each attended by 300 Vietnamese entrepreneurs in China. The group aims to establish mechanisms for business exchanges, cultural promotions, and mutual recommendations to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

6. Regarding duty-free operations, the group is exploring potential locations in Vietnam. Currently, China Duty-Free Group (CDF) ranks among the top two global duty-free operators and is the largest in China.

The group is committed to contributing to the development of tourism, culture, and commerce between China and Vietnam.

(b) Remarks by Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General of VNAT:

1. We appreciate Mr. Jian Yi for sharing valuable information, helping us better understand China Travel Group’s activities and its effective cooperation with Vietnam. We highly value the role of such a large enterprise and hope that the group will continue to promote two-way tourism development between Vietnam and China.

2. Vietnam is a highly attractive destination for Chinese tourists. In 2019, Vietnam welcomed 6 million Chinese visitors, while 8 million Vietnamese traveled to China. By 2024, visitor numbers are expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

3. We agree with the group’s proposals, especially regarding regular events to promote tourism exchanges and partnerships. We propose Mr. Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, as the point of contact. We also invite the group to participate in tourism fairs held annually in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in April and September to facilitate connections with more Vietnamese businesses.

(c) Remarks by Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of Da Nang Tourism Association:

1. In 2019, Da Nang welcomed 1 million Chinese visitors out of 6 million Chinese tourists to Vietnam. However, direct flights between Da Nang and China have not yet resumed. We hope the Chinese Visa Center can provide more information and support to promote its services.

2. Regarding cruises, Tien Sa Port in Da Nang and Chan May Port in Hue are welcoming many Chinese tourists. The association is ready to assist the group in selling return cruise tickets from Vietnam to China.

3. Regarding duty-free operations, currently, only Lotte Duty-Free operates in Da Nang. If the group plans to expand into this sector, the association will facilitate connections with Da Nang’s local government.

4. We also hope to restore direct or charter flights between Da Nang and China. Da Nang is willing to offer attractive policies for the group, including incentives for resorts, luxury hotels, and conference venues.

(d) Remarks by Nguyen Duc Quynh, Chairman of Danang Hotel Association, General Director of  Indochine Beach Hotel JSC (Furama Resort Danang)

1. Furama Group operates in hotels, banking (HD Bank), and aviation (Vietjet Air). We hope to welcome more Chinese tourists and provide venues for conferences and large events accommodating up to 3,000 participants.

2. We also aim to develop duty-free stores supplying tourism products, shopping malls, and supermarkets.

Both parties agreed that the rising trend of young travelers should be leveraged to promote tourism development between the two countries.