Vietnam Launches Monumental Culture And Tourism Festival In Warsaw, Paving The Way For Stronger Travel Ties With Europe And Promoting Southeast Asia’s Rich Heritage

The Vietnam Culture and Tourism Festival has successfully launched in the historic Old Town of Warsaw, Poland, marking a pivotal event in Vietnam’s continuous cultural diplomacy and tourism promotion efforts. This festival is part of a broader initiative led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MOCST), which is currently conducting an official visit to three European countries. The main objective of the trip is to strengthen Vietnam’s tourism ties with its traditional European markets while simultaneously encouraging more travel interest to the Southeast Asian nation.

Key Attendees and a Celebratory Atmosphere

The opening ceremony saw the presence of distinguished guests, including Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of MOCST; Mr. Ha Hoang Hai, Vietnam’s Ambassador to Poland and Lithuania; Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism; along with leaders from various MOCST departments, officials from the People’s Committee of Hue City, local authorities, and a diverse group of international guests.

The festival was not just a showcase of Vietnam’s rich history and vibrant culture, but also a celebration of its evolving tourism sector. Attendees were treated to a variety of cultural programs designed to highlight the country’s artistic heritage. The Vietnamese cuisine exhibition was one of the central attractions, where visitors had the opportunity to savor iconic dishes such as pho, nem ran (fried spring rolls), and Vietnamese iced milk coffee. These popular delicacies attracted a large crowd of both delegates and the local public, eager to enjoy authentic Vietnamese flavors.

Adding to the cultural vibrancy, traditional art performances were held by artists from the Vietnam National Music, Song, and Dance Theatre. These performances provided an immersive experience into the musical and dance traditions of Vietnam, further enhancing the cultural atmosphere and leaving a deep impression on the audience.

Vietnam Tourism Exhibition: Showcasing the Country’s Best

In addition to the culinary and artistic experiences, MOCST also set up a dedicated Vietnam tourism exhibition space, where visitors could explore a wealth of information about the country’s scenic destinations and tourism offerings. This section included engaging promotional videos that spotlighted the breathtaking landscapes and unique travel experiences that Vietnam has to offer. Visitors could also pick up informative materials, souvenirs, and other promotional items.

One of the exhibition’s most engaging features was the display of local Vietnamese products, including agricultural goods and tourism-related offerings from Vietnamese businesses. This part of the exhibition provided an exciting opportunity for international visitors to learn more about the economic and cultural contributions of Vietnam’s local industries, while also showcasing the country’s diverse tourism products.

Interactive Fun and Exciting Prizes

The festival also included a series of interactive mini-games and contests that encouraged visitors to engage more deeply with the event. Participants took part in photo and video clip competitions centered around the festival’s theme. The prizes for these contests were highly attractive and included:

• Two round-trip tickets from Europe to Vietnam, sponsored by Vietnam Airlines
• An all-inclusive 12-day “Vietnam’s Green Journey” tour, sponsored by LUX Group
• Travel vouchers provided by Vietravel
• Travel and accommodation vouchers provided by Hanoitourist
• Hotel vouchers generously sponsored by Alba Thanh Tan Resort

These contests not only added a fun, competitive element to the festival but also helped to reinforce the event’s promotional objectives by encouraging attendees to engage with the rich cultural experiences on offer.

A Growing Connection: Strengthening Vietnam-Poland Tourism Relations

The event, held in Warsaw’s open-air setting, drew large numbers of international visitors who came to enjoy the variety of cultural activities, traditional foods, and performances. The festival not only introduced the charm of Vietnam’s rich culture to the Polish public but also sparked increased interest in visiting Vietnam in the future. This successful cultural exchange played a key role in further cementing the ties between Vietnam and Poland, particularly in terms of tourism.

A significant outcome of this cultural diplomacy is the new visa exemption policy introduced under Vietnam’s Resolution 11/NQ-CP. Poland is now one of three European countries eligible for visa exemptions, allowing Polish citizens to stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days for tourism purposes. This exemption is valid from March 1 to December 31, 2025, for travelers participating in programs organized by Vietnamese international travel agencies.

Vietnam’s Growing Popularity Among Polish Tourists

Vietnam’s tourism industry has seen a steady rise in Polish visitor numbers. In 2023, over 34,000 Polish tourists visited Vietnam, recovering to 98% of pre-pandemic levels. This number rose by 25% in 2024, with over 51,000 Polish visitors traveling to Vietnam. The first five months of 2025 have already seen nearly 37,000 Polish tourists, representing a 44.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Poland’s outbound tourism market has seen substantial growth in recent years. In 2024, travelers from Poland embarked on around 14.6 million international journeys, with an estimated expenditure of USD 10.4 billion. While European destinations remain popular, there has been an increasing interest in exploring farther destinations, particularly in Asia. As a result, the Polish outbound tourism market has become a key source of growth for global tourism, and Vietnam is poised to benefit greatly from this expanding interest.

The new visa exemption policy offers a unique opportunity for Vietnamese tourism businesses to build on this momentum and attract even more Polish visitors. The strong growth in the Polish travel market, combined with the strategic visa exemption, presents a golden opportunity for Vietnam to strengthen its position as a preferred travel destination for Polish tourists.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Vietnam-Poland Tourism

The Vietnam Culture and Tourism Festival in Warsaw was a major success, not only showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam but also reinforcing the growing tourism ties between Vietnam and Poland. The event’s diverse activities, cultural exchanges, and interactive elements have left a lasting impression on international visitors, leading to increased interest in Vietnam as a travel destination. With the introduction of the visa exemption policy and the continued growth of the Polish outbound travel market, Vietnam’s tourism sector is well-positioned to capitalize on the expanding Polish interest in exploring Asia and further boosting its tourism industry.