Vietnam accelerates preparations to welcome 4,500 tourists from Indian billionaire’s company

Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, marketing director of leading tour operator Vietravel, responsible for serving the employees from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, confirmed that the visitors will be divided into six smaller groups, arriving in Vietnam on flights from Aug. 26 to 28.

The company’s owner, one of India’s wealthiest billionaires, is also expected to join the visit.

Each group from the company is expected to stay for four to five days, visiting Hanoi, Ha Long, and Ninh Binh in the northern region.

The planned sightseeing destinations currently include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison, the Temple of Literature, Ha Long Bay, and the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.

Khanh said local authorities at these destinations have already had plans to support the group of Indian tourists.

According to Quang Ninh Provincial Department of Tourism, provincial leaders will be present to welcome the group and treat them with a lion dance performance.

The group will not be staying overnight in Ha Long but will visit some destinations in Ha Long Bay, which includes Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Cho Da Islet, Ba Hang Fishing Village, Dinh Huong Islet, and Trong Mai Islet.

Provincial authorities have already arranged Hindi tour guides and prepared Indian cuisine to meet the tourists’ requirements.

A source of VnExpress revealed the group originally chose Singapore but later switched to Vietnam.

Bui Van Manh, director of the Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Tourism, said over the past two weeks, the tourism sector has dispatched specialized staff to collaborate with related units in mapping out detailed plans to ensure effective reception.

At major scenic sites like Trang An and Tam Coc – Bich Dong where boat tours are required for sightseeing, such large group may be given priority access to ensure the most convenient and fastest transportation.

Dozens of Hindi language-proficient tour guides have been assigned to communicate with and guide the tourists.

Security, order, and healthcare measures have also been enhanced with additional personnel to promptly address any arising issues.

Regarding accommodation, Manh mentioned that Ninh Binh City currently has about 10 hotels that meet four-to-five-star standards.

Manh said cuisine could present a challenge as Indians have specific dietary requirements to respect their beliefs and religions.

Local authoritiesare currently guiding businesses to organize crash courses in Indian-style culinary skills.

Vietnam has emerged as a favored destination for Indian tourists.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the country received 392,000 Indian visitors last year, an increase of 231% compared to 2019.

In the first six months of this year alone, Vietnam welcomed more than 231,000 Indian visitors, a 164% increase over the same period last year.