The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
During the recent two-day state visit of Vietnam President To Lam, a three-year Tourism Cooperation Program was signed by Philippine Tourism Secretary Ma. Bernadita Angara-Mathay and Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh, aimed at boosting tourism traffic between the two countries.
Pres. To Lam and Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the program signing, covering the period 2026 to 2029, geared towards strengthening “awareness of tourism destinations and products of both countries,” according to Sec. Angara-Mathay.
Under the program, both countries will jointly promote each other’s tourist destinations by offering package tours and invite media, tour operators and travel agents on familiarization tours.
At a joint media briefing with Vietnam’s To, Pres. Marcos said, “We commend the finalization of the Tourism Cooperation Program for 2026–2029. Building upon a strong performance in 2025, which saw nearly half a million Filipino travelers going to Vietnam and a rising number of Vietnamese tourists coming to our shores, we have agreed to work closely to enhance air connectivity and increase commercial flight frequencies.”
The cooperation program is a continuation of the Agreement on Tourism Cooperation between both countries signed in Hanoi on March 28, 1994.
Both countries also agreed to implement schemes to facilitate travel, undertake research and development, exchange ideas on managing and operating tourism, and build capacities in human resources.
They will, likewise, exchange best practices covering sustainable and regenerative tourism, and developing tourism products.
DOT also inked a new two-year agreement with Vietnam Airlines to expand air connectivity between both countries. The renewed partnership coincides with the 35thanniversary of the carrier’s Ho Chi Minh – Philippines route and the 15th anniversary of the Hanoi – Philippines route.
The agreement calls for joint marketing and promotional campaigns between the Philippines and Vietnam’s flag carrier, “promising affordable flights and quality services for local and international tourists,” said the agency.
Currently available to travelers are 40-45 weekly nonstop flights between the Philippines and Vietnam, offered by Cebu Pacific Airways, Philippine Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Viet Jet. These include flights from Manila to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), to Hanoi, and to Da Nang; from Cebu to Ho Chi Minh or to Hanoi; and between Clark and Hanoi.
Low-cost carrier Viet Jet recently announced five times a week nonstop flights between Ho Chi Minh and Cebu starting December 11, 2026.
Last year, more than 33,000 Vietnamese tourists visited the Philippines, 34.71% less than in 2024. DOT figures showed Vietnamese travelers ranked 21st overall among the top tourists in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, more than 394,000 Filipinos traveled to Vietnam last year, 82.65% more than in 2024, making Vietnam the eighth top destination of Filipinos in 2025. DOT’s figures include Filipinos traveling for work and leisure, based on e-travel data gathered by the Bureau of Immigration.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen trade, investment and business cooperation.
The MOU was signed by PCCI President Ferdinand A. Ferrer and VCCI Vice Executive President Nguyen Quang Vinh during the recent Vietnam-Philippines’ Business Forum held in Manila.
PCCI said the MOU establishes a framework for deeper cooperation, designed to expand commercial opportunities and strengthen economic links between Philippines and Vietnamese business communities.
The two business groups agreed to “regularly exchange information on trade and investment opportunities; support participation in business missions, trade fairs, forums, and seminars and facilitate closer engagement among enterprises from both countries.”