Thailand and Vietnam to jointly encourage tourism

Thailand and Vietnam have launched a new initiative designed to encourage more tourists to visit the two countries.Co-headed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the One Million Tourists in 2015 project will involve the two nations pooling resources in a number of ways. This could include the exchange of information and media resources as well as attending joint road shows and trade show in order to widen the region’s overall appeal, reports Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper.

According to a TAT spokesperson, the new programme will play an important role in promoting travel between the two countries, so it may make it tempting for those taking flights to Thailand to travel on to Vietnam

During the first seven months of 2010, Thailand has welcomed more than 240,000 visitors from Vietnam – six per cent more than in 2009.

The authority has also suggested that it will discuss the development of a common entry visa for Vietnam and Thailand.

TAT was formed in 1960 and now has 35 regional offices throughout the country which aim to provide information to travellers as well as support the development of the local tourist industry.

Written by Anthony Nicholson.