Recent figures indicate that outbound travel bookings to Vietnam for some Indian companies were up 500% this year compared to those from 2019, whilst travel companies and carriers were looking to offer more options and to boost capacity.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), there were a total of 392,000 Indian visitors to the country in 2023, an increase of over threefold from 2019.

In an interview with The Economic Times, Rajeev Kale, president and country head for holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India), said the 500% increase in outbound travel from the Indian market to Vietnam that his company has seen since 2019 can be attributed to improved flight connectivity, frictionless travel due to e-Visas, and the influence of social media.

Furthermore, Raj Rishi Singh, chief marketing officer and chief business officer for corporate at MakeMyTrip, shared that over the past year searches for Vietnam are up 17%, adding that its affordability, combined with hassle free visa regulations and a growing number of direct flights from India are currently fueling growth among tourists from this market, whether they are seeking cultural immersion or a romantic getaway.

SD Nandakumar, president and country head for holidays and corporate tours at SOTC Travel, noted that Vietnam offers Indian travelers a wide range of culture, history, cuisine, scenic views, and multiple options for shopping to enjoy.

An Indian media outlet also reported that this month, Vietnamese carrier VietJet Air announced two exclusive promotions for Indian travelers. On November 11, the airline will offer one-way economy fares between the two countries starting at Rs 5,555 or US$66 (plus taxes and fees).

The airline claims that since 2019, it has continually expanded its routes and direct connections in a bid to meet rising demand. Currently, the airline operates 68 weekly flights between the two countries connecting key Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi to major destinations in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.