On July 25, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST), Deputy Minister Ho An Phong presented the Minister's Certificate of Merit to Mr. Ly Xuong Can, Vietnam's Tourism Ambassador to Korea.
Deputy Minister Ho An Phong acknowledged the valuable contributions of Ambassador Li Xuong Can to the development of Vietnam - Korea tourism over the past time.
At the same time, it affirmed the important role of relevant agencies of the two countries in coordinating and actively supporting the promotion of bilateral cooperation.
According to the Deputy Minister, Korea is one of the leading important international tourist markets for Vietnamese tourism.
The Vietnamese Government always creates favorable conditions for citizens of the two countries to travel, invest and develop, through institution building, simplifying administrative procedures, and exempting unilateral visas for Korean citizens to Vietnam for up to 45 days. The routes connecting the two countries are increasingly expanded, helping to enhance exchanges and develop tourism.
Mr. Ly Xuong Can - the 31st generation successor of King Ly Thai To - was appointed as Vietnam Tourism Ambassador to Korea in 2017. To date, he has held this position for the longest time with three consecutive terms.
In 2019, he established the Korea Tourism Ambassador's Office entirely from socialized sources, regularly organizing large-scale promotional events in Seoul with the message "closer, more friendly".
During the 2017-2024 term, he has supported more than 10 Vietnamese localities to promote tourism in Korea, coordinated the production of TV programs with MBN, SBS, EBS; organized famtrip, presstrip, localized digital communication in Korean and pioneered the implementation of cross-border QR payments, VAT refunds via MoMo - KCC.
Thanks to these efforts, the number of Korean visitors to Vietnam has continuously increased, especially at destinations such as Nha Trang, Da Lat, Hoi An, etc.
He was the one who proposed the establishment of the Vietnam Cultural Center in Korea and initiated the film "The Legend of the Forgotten Prince", contributing to connecting the overseas Vietnamese community with the origin of national culture.
Entering the 2024-2029 term, Mr. Ly Xuong Can is committed to continuing to effectively operate the promotion office, promoting digital promotion, inviting Korean KOLs and newspapers to survey destinations, connecting businesses.
At the same time, implement long-term initiatives such as establishing a Vietnam Cultural Center in Korea and producing a historical film about Prince Ly Long Tuong to spread Vietnamese culture to the world.
Speaking at the event, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh affirmed that the establishment of the Representative Office for Tourism Promotion of Vietnam in Korea operated by Tourism Ambassador Ly Xuong Can is a strategic step, demonstrating the concern of the leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in promoting tourism cooperation between the two countries.
This office will be a bridge for information, market research, products, support the organization of Vietnam tourism promotion programs in Korea, and connect travel and accommodation businesses between the two countries.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism will coordinate with Ambassador Li Xuong Can to develop an operational plan for the 2024-2029 term.
