Outbound travel bookings to Vietnam for some companies are up 500% since 2019, and travel companies and carriers are looking to offer more options and boost capacity, according to the newspaper.

Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head Leisure Travel and MICE at Thomas Cook India, said the 500% increase in outbound travel from India to Vietnam is due to better flight connections, easier travel thanks to e-visas, and the influence of social media.

Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Business Officer for Corporate at MakeMyTrip, said that over the past year searches for ’Vietnam’ were up 17%. Vietnam’s affordability, combined with hassle-free visa regulations and a growing number of direct flights from India are fueling this growth of Indian tourists, whether they are seeking cultural immersion or a romantic getaway, Singh added.

SD Nandakumar, president and country head for holidays and corporate tours at SOTC Travel, said Vietnam offers Indian travelers a treasure trove of culture, history, cuisine, scenic vistas, and shopping.