Vietnam and Indonesia Strengthen their Tourism Ties, Focusing on Halal Tourism, Cultural Exchange and Culinary Tourism to Boost Economic Growth

Published on December 1, 2025

This table-top meeting organized recently by the Consulate General of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City was a significant moment in strengthening the cooperation in tourism between Vietnam and Indonesia. The meeting was part of the “Indonesia: The Gateway to Paradise” exhibition, marking the continuation of the shared commitment by the two countries to promote greater tourism exchange, deepen cultural exchange, and develop Halal tourism. Emphasizing the building of lasting partnerships and the creation of sustainable tourism models, the cooperation is supposed to unlock future tourism potential that will not only increase tourist arrivals but also augment the economic impact of the tourism sector in both countries.

Promoting Halal Tourism and Culinary Exchange for Sustainable Growth

Halal tourism is emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tourism industry, and Vietnam is keen to tap into this expanding market. As part of this effort, Vietnam’s tourism sector is positioning itself to offer a range of Halal-certified food, cosmetics, and services that align with the cultural and religious needs of Indonesian tourists. Dewi Kumalasari Ansar emphasized how Halal certification is essential for Vietnamese businesses looking to expand their offerings and attract Indonesian travelers, who prioritize Halal products when visiting new destinations.

By catering to the needs of Muslim tourists, Vietnam can broaden its appeal as a Halal-friendly tourism destination in Southeast Asia, a region with a rapidly growing Muslim population. The potential for growth in Halal tourism in Vietnam is immense, as Indonesian visitors are particularly interested in destinations that offer authentic, culturally aligned experiences, including Halal dining, prayer facilities, and culturally respectful services.

In addition, culinary tourism is emerging as another key pillar of the growing tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia. Vietnam’s rich culinary traditions, including Pho, Banh Mi, and fresh seafood, make it an attractive destination for Indonesian food lovers. By promoting Vietnamese cuisine alongside Halal food options, both countries are fostering a deeper understanding of their culinary heritage, which also supports local businesses involved in food production, distribution, and tourism services.

Strengthening the Economic and Tourism Ties Between Ho Chi Minh City and Indonesia

Ho Chi Minh City continues to be the top destination for Indonesian tourists in Vietnam, with 79,677 Indonesian visitors recorded in the first 10 months of 2025, accounting for nearly 47% of all Indonesian arrivals in Vietnam. This impressive figure illustrates the growing tourism flow between the two nations and highlights the strong tourism potential for further development.

In light of this growing interest, the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department is working closely with the Indonesian Consulate General to boost bilateral tourism efforts. Pham Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department, expressed the city’s intent to deepen tourism relations with Indonesia through cooperation among tourism management agencies, airlines, and tourism associations. He highlighted how the recent merger between Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces such as Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Duong provides new opportunities for the development of marine tourism, culinary tourism, and cultural exchange.

Moreover, Bali in Indonesia continues to captivate Ho Chi Minh City tourists with its world-class resorts and cultural heritage sites like the UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur. Strengthening the connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Bali through enhanced tourism partnerships and direct flight routes will drive increased tourist exchanges and cultural interactions, further boosting the tourism economy in both regions.

Future Tourism Growth: Leveraging Digital Tools for Broader Reach

Looking toward the future, Vietnam and Indonesia are increasingly turning to digital tools to broaden their tourism reach, especially among younger generations. Social media platforms and digital marketing will play a key role in promoting both countries’ tourism assets, particularly through influencers and digital content creators. Gen Z and millennial travelers are expected to be at the forefront of this digital tourism revolution, utilizing platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share their experiences and promote Halal tourism and culinary travel in both Vietnam and Indonesia.

By encouraging young people to engage in the promotion of tourism experiences through digital platforms, both countries can reach a broader international audience, ensuring the long-term sustainability of their tourism sectors. This strategy of digital outreach will complement the traditional tourism promotion efforts, expanding the overall market reach and supporting tourism growth across Southeast Asia.

Unlocking Tourism’s Full Potential for Economic Growth and Cultural Exchange

The deepened tourism cooperation between the two countries opens up numerous opportunities for both sides to further expand the tourism markets and make effective contributions to economic growth. This partnership, focusing on Halal tourism, culinary tourism, and cultural exchange, will contribute toward the development of a sustainable tourism model that will benefit the local communities and an increased understanding between the two nations.

With increasing Indonesian tourist arrivals, Vietnam will soon be poised to become one of the leading destinations for Halal-friendly travel in Southeast Asia, as it already is a cultural and culinary hub. Such collaboration develops not only the tourism industry but also brings long-term economic growth to both countries, placing them as global leaders in tourism for years to come.