Vietnam is making a strong return to the global travel scene, participating actively in the IFTM Top Resa International & French Travel Market 2024 (Top Resa 2024). Held in Paris, France, Top Resa is a premier event for professionals in the travel and tourism industry, and Vietnam’s presence is notable. The Vietnamese pavilion, located prominently in the Asia-Pacific section, is a collaborative effort between the Vietnam Cultural and Tourism Association in Europe (VCNT), Vietnam Airlines, the Vietnam Cultural Centre in France, and ten prominent Vietnamese businesses already established in the French market.
The pavilion, designed in a traditional style and adorned with captivating art performances by Vietnamese artists, is leaving a strong impression on both French and international visitors. It offers a comprehensive look into Vietnam’s thriving tourism sector, showcasing diverse destinations and unique travel products. Vietnam’s vast potential for investment in the tourism industry is also emphasized, drawing the attention of potential investors.
Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang, speaking at the opening ceremony of Top Resa 2024, expressed optimism about the return of Vietnamese businesses to this prestigious event. He believes their participation will attract significant attention from industry partners, leading to new collaborations. The ambassador emphasized the importance of the three-day event, where Vietnamese tourism companies are poised to forge new relationships with partners from France and neighboring regions, which he believes will contribute significantly to boosting international tourist arrivals to Vietnam.
Nguyen Tien Hoang, head of Vietnam Airlines’ branch in France, echoed the ambassador’s sentiment, highlighting the importance of the fair for Vietnamese companies seeking new business opportunities, especially within the tourism sector. He emphasized the significance of developing partnerships with European travel agencies to design and implement travel programs tailored to European travelers, ultimately increasing the flow of tourists to Vietnam.
Michel Jean-Richard, director of Parfum du Monde, a French company specializing in group travel, shared the company’s long-standing connection with Vietnam as one of its key destinations. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Parfum du Monde sent 30-50 travel groups to Vietnam annually, a testament to the country’s enduring appeal. Jean-Richard expressed confidence in Vietnam’s potential, believing that despite the challenges of the pandemic, the country’s tourism sector remains strong, with numerous regions still waiting to be discovered by international visitors.
The ambassador and other Vietnamese representatives are hopeful that Vietnamese businesses’ participation at Top Resa 2024 will serve as a springboard for promoting Vietnam’s tourism sector globally. This event provides a unique platform for Vietnamese companies to showcase their offerings, from natural attractions to cultural experiences, and position Vietnam as a top destination for travelers seeking authentic and diverse experiences.
With the tourism industry bouncing back after the pandemic, Vietnam is positioning itself to reclaim its standing in the international travel market. Through partnerships forged at events like Top Resa 2024, the country aims to tap into Europe’s vast tourist base, showcasing not only the beauty of its landscapes but also the warmth of its people and the richness of its culture. This renewed focus is expected to yield long-term benefits for Vietnam’s tourism sector, attracting more visitors and boosting the country’s profile as a must-visit destination.
Top Resa, one of the world’s most prominent professional tourism and travel fairs, takes place annually in Paris during the latter half of September. This year’s event has drawn over 1,600 brands from a wide range of countries and territories, according to organizers. It serves as a prime platform for professionals in the travel and tourism sectors to engage in meetings, exchange knowledge, stay informed on industry trends, and negotiate business deals on a global scale.
In addition to fostering business connections, the fair hosts a variety of workshops and panel discussions that delve into three key areas shaping the future of the travel industry: environmental sustainability, the impact of digitalization, and the growing focus on inclusion. These discussions provide participants with valuable insights into the latest innovations and challenges facing the tourism sector, while also encouraging collaborative solutions to create a more sustainable and inclusive future for travel.
