Representatives of management agencies and tourism promotion units participate in the discussion at the seminar. (Photo: VNA)

The event was jointly organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, Travel Association and Golf Tourism Association, and partners, aiming to strengthen two-way tourism exchanges and support Vietnamese businesses in tapping these important markets.

Nguyen Viet Anh, Vice Chairman of the HCM City Tourism Association, noted that the RoK and Taiwan have long been among Vietnam’s leading sources of international visitors. Arrivals from the two markets have grown steadily, while more Vietnamese are also traveling to these destinations.

He said the seminar provides a timely channel for tourism enterprises to directly engage with officials from the RoK Consulate General and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Ho Chi Minh City to receive updated information on visa regulations and procedures.

According to You Sang Byun from the Visa Section of the RoK Consulate General, visa policy plays a decisive role in attracting visitors. He stressed that the RoK has consistently sought to make it easier for Vietnamese travelers to obtain visas, helping businesses streamline processes and reduce errors.

Similarly, Derek Chou, Chief Representative of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau in Vietnam, underlined that Taiwan is committed to enhancing cooperation with Vietnam. He said updated visa policies would support joint efforts to promote tourism and encourage the development of new tourism products tailored to diverse customer needs.

Doan Ngoc Thao, Deputy General Director of The Swing Sports Tourism Joint Stock Company, pointed out that golf tourism is thriving, particularly among high-spending visitors from the RoK and Taiwan. Annual growth in this segment has averaged 10–15%, with strong rebounds following the COVID-19 pandemic.

She emphasised that Vietnam’s recent visa reforms including broader exemptions, extended stays and convenient e-visas have been a decisive factor in drawing more golfers, encouraging longer visits and repeat trips.

She added that golf tourism is not only a sport experience but also contributes to enhancing the image of the destination, promoting related services such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation. If Vietnam can maintain or expand favourable visa policies, the country will soon become the leading destination in Asia for golf tourists from the RoK and Taiwan.