First-ever ASEAN Korea Roundtable in Tourism kicks off in Da Nang

Co-hosted by the city-based Duy Tan University and Korean partners, the event welcomed notable attendees, including Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea Yong Ho Seong, and Vice Chairman of Da Nang People's Committee Tran Anh Tuan.

During the conference, Vice Chairman of Da Nang People's Committee Tran Anh Tuan said that the newly-merged Da Nang City is now the largest city in Viet Nam by area. It comprises 94 administrative units, including 70 communes, 23 wards and Hoang Sa Special Zone. Da Nang eyes becoming a national hub for startups, innovation, trade, finance, logistics, high-tech industry and information technology, as well as a leading center for culture, sports, education, high-quality healthcare, scientific and technological advancement.

In term of tourism, Da Nang is striving to become a high-quality tourism and service center, and a premium destination, in Viet Nam and Southeast Asia by 2030, laying the foundation to emerge as one of the leading tourism centers in the region and the world by 2045.

Vice Chairman Tuan highlighted the significance of the AK-RT in promoting tourism exchange and cooperation between ASEAN countries and South Korea, thereby strengthening economic collaboration and mutual benefits. This also provides a vital opportunity for countries to participate in multilateral dialogue, promote cooperation and further boost the development of tourism activities.

He pledged that the municipal government will always provide maximum support to create a favorable environment for the development of key sectors, especially tourism. The city will also closely work with relevant parties to enhance security and safety for tourists, simplify entry procedures, expand multimodal transport connections, and apply technology to create a seamless and effective tourism experience for both regional and international visitors.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong emphasized that ASEAN and South Korea tourism cooperation has made remarkable progress, as not only reflected in the recovery and continuous growth of the number of exchange visitors but also in improved quality of tourism products and services and increasingly diverse and effective forms of cooperation.

In 2024 alone, ASEAN welcomed nearly 127 million international arrivals, of which South Korea was one of the three largest visitor sources, with about 10 million. Notably, Viet Nam emerged as the top destination in the region for South Korean travelers, attracting 4.6 million arrivals. This demonstrated the strength of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and South Korea, as well as the growing trust, affection, and close ties between the two sides.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong highly praised AK-RT as a platform to share information or exchange professional experience. He added the event opened up a space for in-depth and comprehensive dialogue on key issues shaping the future of the ASEAN - South Korea tourism industry.

Taking place from July 2 - 7, AK-RT gathers policy makers from tourism ministries, departments and agencies of ASEAN countries and South Korea, along with business leaders and leading experts in the tourism sector.

It includes discussion sessions focusing on enhancing security and facilitating tourism activities; improving systems to enhance the tourist experience; training and developing human resources in the tourism industry; and promoting understanding and respect for cultural diversity among ASEAN countries and South Korea.