Travel industry insiders call for more visa waivers to achieve Vietnam's 23 million arrivals target

Vietnam is set to allow 45-day visa-free travel by citizens of Poland, Czechia and Switzerland coming on package tours from March 1.

Martin Koerner, group commercial director of The Anam, a chain of luxury resort hotels in Vietnam, said the recent visa changes are a step in the right direction, but further steps are necessary to ensure competitiveness.

He proposed visa waivers for all Europeans and nationals of countries like Australia and New Zealand, which are becoming increasingly significant for Vietnam’s tourism.

He also suggested a seven-day visa waiver for Chinese visitors.

China was the second largest source of visitors to Vietnam last year with 3.73 million after South Korea, and climbed to the top of the list last month.

Vietnam received 17.6 million foreign visitors last year and aims to attract 23 million this year.

Dr Justin Matthew Pang, Interim senior program manager for tourism and hospitality management at RMIT Vietnam, said it is possible for Vietnam to achieve this year's target given its diverse offerings and resources, but much more needs to be done.

Pang said it could consider exemptions for some of the wealthier eastern European countries such as Slovenia.

Senior U.S. and Canadian citizens could also be offered visa-free entry, he suggested.

Vietnam currently waives visas for citizens from 25 countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., Russia, Japan, and South Korea for stays of up to 45 days.