Viet Nam, Philippines co-operate in cruise tourism

Vietnam and the Philippines on June 26 signed a co-operative agreement on cruise tourism partnership during the 2014-2016 period, calling for investment into the tourism sector in each country.

Under the agreement signed by Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Vetnam Tourism, Ho Anh Tuan and Philippine Deputy Tourism Minister, Daniel G. Corpuz, the two sides will work together to research and develop tourism promotion programmes. It is expected to create favourable conditions for investment projects in ports, destinations and travel-related services and to promote the flow of cruise tourists between the two nations, as well as facilitating international co-operation in tourism.

In addition, the two sides pledged to support each other and promote cruise tourism products of Vietnam and the Philippines on the international market.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister Tuan stated that the co-operation will be carried out soon, to bring practical results for the tourism industries of the two countries, particularly in the cruise tourism sector, helping strengthen cultural exchanges and friendship relations between Vietnam and the Philippines.

The agreement proved that the two sides have been aware of the increasingly important role of cruise travel, the advantages of the strategic locations of the Philippines and Vietnam in Asia-Pacific, as well as the needs and interests of both countries in tourism co-operation.

The Philippines was a nation with highly developed cruise tourism, with many cruise ships operating throughout the world. Meanwhile, with its long coastline, Vietnam has great advantages in developing cruise tourism and resorts.