Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry are set to captivate the hearts of Hollywood’s elite as the country shines at the prestigious Vietnam Tourism and Cinema Roadshow in California. From September 23 to 25, 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MOCST) will host this grand event in San Francisco and Los Angeles, under the theme “Vietnam – The New Destination for Global Cinema.”
This roadshow represents a strategic initiative by the Ministry to introduce Vietnam’s diverse tourist attractions and its potential as a filming location to Hollywood studios. The goal is to attract film productions that will bring significant international media attention to Vietnam while simultaneously promoting the country as a prime destination for global tourists. The roadshow offers a unique platform for Vietnamese tourism providers to connect with U.S. businesses and partners, fostering collaboration and establishing lasting partnerships.
The event is designed to strengthen cooperation in tourism and film production, with agreements and commitments expected to deepen ties between Vietnamese agencies, localities, and enterprises and their U.S. counterparts. Several prominent Vietnamese localities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ninh Binh Province, and Quang Binh Province, will participate in the roadshow. Major corporations such as Vietnam Airlines, VinGroup (Vinfast, Vinpearl), SOVICO Group (HD Bank, Vietjet Air), and Vietravel will also be represented, alongside renowned key opinion leaders (KOLs) and influencers.
On September 25, at the prestigious DGA Theater in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, a cultural showcase of Vietnam’s landscapes, people, and heritage will be unveiled, accompanied by a workshop exploring the country’s tourism and filmmaking potential. The event is expected to attract a significant audience of 400-500 delegates. In addition, meetings with U.S. representatives will focus on advancing tourism and film industry partnerships, complemented by trade exhibitions and captivating traditional art performances.
During the press conference announcing the roadshow, Deputy Minister of MOCST, Ho An Phong, highlighted Vietnam’s appeal as a tourist and filmmaking hub, citing iconic destinations like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and the poetic highlands. He emphasized the nation’s rich cultural and historical heritage, which provides a unique setting for both tourism and cinema. Phong noted that this roadshow reaffirms Vietnam’s position as not only a sought-after tourist destination but also an enticing location for top filmmakers, directors, and actors.
U.S. Ambassador Marc E. Knapper expressed his enthusiasm for the growing recognition of Vietnamese filmmakers on the global stage. He noted that the U.S. encourages filmmakers to explore Vietnam as a film location, allowing them to experience the country’s beauty and culture firsthand. The U.S. remains a crucial market for Vietnam’s tourism industry, ranking among the top five for international arrivals. In 2023, 717,000 U.S. tourists visited Vietnam, recovering to 96% of 2019 levels. In the first eight months of 2024, Vietnam welcomed 529,000 U.S. visitors, an 8% increase over the same period in 2023.
American tourists are known for their high spending and long stays, and Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of VNAT, expressed optimism that direct flights between Vietnam and the U.S., along with the growing investments in Vietnam’s tourism sector, will further boost tourism exchanges between the two nations. During the press conference, the organizing committee also discussed policies aimed at supporting international film crews filming in Vietnam, emphasizing opportunities to promote Vietnam’s tourism through cinema.
