2024 continues to mark the impressive recovery of Vietnam's tourism industry after the Covid-19 pandemic when welcoming nearly 18 million international visitors and serving 110 million domestic visitors, reaching 98% of tourism recovery rate, the highest in ASEAN. Regarding tourist exchange with Italy, in 2024, Vietnam welcomed about 89,000 Italian visitors to Vietnam, an increase of 56% over the previous year. In the first 3 months of 2025, nearly 32,000 Italian visitors visited Vietnam, an increase of 29% over the same period last year.

Speaking at the program, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Ha Van Sieu emphasized that under the attention and close direction of the senior leaders of the two countries, Vietnam's open visa policy for Italian citizens, the close coordination and support of the Italian Embassy in Vietnam as well as the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy, and the response of businesses, including airlines, have brought about positive results in tourism.

Deputy Director Ha Van Sieu affirmed that the Destination Italy program is not only a forum to promote the unique beauty and cultural, historical, culinary and artistic appeal of Italy, but also an important bridge to promote tourism cooperation between the two countries to develop sustainably and effectively.

It is known that on July 1, 2025, the national airline Vietnam Airlines will officially launch a direct flight from Hanoi to Milan, creating a breakthrough in travel between the two countries.

In 2025, Vietnam aims to welcome 22-23 million international visitors and serve 120-130 million domestic visitors. This is a high target for Vietnam's tourism industry. Therefore, the direct flight between Hanoi and Milan not only shortens the geographical distance between the two countries but also opens up opportunities for extensive cooperation in many fields, including tourism, becoming a lever for two-way tourism between Vietnam and Italy to grow higher in the coming time, contributing to the completion of the tourism industry's goals.

For his part, speaking at the event, Mr. Marco Della Seta, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to Vietnam, expressed his thanks to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and Vietnam Airlines for opening the first direct flight between Vietnam and Italy.

Mr. Marco Della Seta emphasized that this is an effort of the two Governments and Embassies, and at the same time a strategic tool to strengthen cultural connections, support two-way tourism and promote tourism and services in Italy. Today's event is not only to celebrate the new route but also an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively introduce tourism.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/viet-nam-mo-duong-bay-thang-den-italia-2025042917124496.htm