Vietnamese-Chinese tourism Cooperation 1991-2022

Khoang Van Tkham ORCID: 0009-0001-4976-6918 Graduate student, Department of Theory and History of International Relations, Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University 6 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117198, Russia tham180798@mail.ru Bui Thi Hoang Yen Ien ORCID: 0009-0005-4710-1276 Graduate student, Department of Theory and History of International Relations, Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University 6 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117198, Russia hoangyenhnue511@gmail.com

Vo Truc Ly Li ORCID: 0009-0008-2646-6083 Graduate student, Department of Political Science and Foreign Regional Studies of International Relations, Russian State University for the Humanities 6 Miusskaya Ploshchad str., Moscow, 125047, Russia votrucly@mail.ru

Vietnam and China share a 1,281 km long land border and maintain traditional and multifaceted relations. Relations between the two countries have been strengthened at a higher level since January 18, 1950, when official diplomatic relations were established ^[6]. In the 1950s and 60s, friendship and unity were the key features of their relationship ^{[14, p. 35]}. However, from the late 1960s to 1975, difficulties and changes arose due to various reasons ^{[14, p. 36]}. In the period from 1975 to 1991, Vietnamese-Chinese relations experienced a crisis due to a number of regional and international factors ^{[10, p. 28]}. Thanks to the efforts of both sides, in November 1991, relations between Vietnam and China were officially normalized, opening a new stage in the comprehensive development of Vietnamese-Chinese relations ^[8]. The development of tourism cooperation has become an important area of cooperation.

In the context of ever deeper integration and globalization between countries around the world, tourism is an extremely important area that countries invest and develop. Tourism plays an important role in national economic development, becoming a key sector of the economy of many countries. It also contributes to the strengthening and development of economic ties with the countries of the world through the development of international transportation. At the same time, the development of tourism helps to spread the culture, images of the country and the people among international friends, which contributes to the promotion of national goods to foreign markets. Therefore, exchange and cooperation in the development of tourism are a key area of foreign policy strategy of mutual interest between Vietnam and China ^[9].

Historical and cultural factors play an important role in the development of tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China ^{[4, p. 1118]}. The deep historical ties and common cultural heritage of the two countries make tourist destinations attractive and stimulate interest in studying their common history. Traditional festivals and events in both countries provide an opportunity for tourists to get acquainted with unique cultures and take part in cultural exchange.

Historical sites, museums and other monuments are of tourist interest and have great potential for development. The organization of special events such as cultural weeks and art exhibitions helps to strengthen the interaction between the community and visitors.

Understanding each other's history and culture among communities and tourism businesses contributes to quality travel experiences and respect for local culture. The exchange of contemporary art and culture between artists, creators and the art community gives visitors new experiences.

A promising area is cooperation between tourism enterprises in the development of tourism products that combine historical and cultural elements ^[1]. By effectively using these factors, Vietnam and China can strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism and create a unique travel experience for tourists ^[3].

Modern tourism cooperation between the two countries is a bright spot in bilateral cooperation ^[2]. China has always been an important tourism market for Vietnam^[7], so recently Vietnam has been encouraging tourism cooperation between the two countries.

The forms of cooperation between Vietnam and China in the field of tourism include:

- joint development of common tourist routes ^{[10, p. 156]};

- promotion and popularization of tourism products and destinations of the two countries in the international tourism markets^{[15, p. 128]};

- organization of exchange programs, seminars and exhibitions to familiarize with the products and tourist destinations of the two countries ^{[10, p. 129]};

- strengthening cooperation between countries in the field of education and scientific research in the field of tourism ^{[10, p. 157]};

- promoting the development of combined tourism products ^{[14, 15]}.

Tourism cooperation between the two countries is constantly expanding and strengthening ^[13]. The two countries signed many agreements on cooperation in the field of tourism, such as, for example, the Agreement on Cooperation in the field of tourism between the Government of Vietnam and the Government of China in 1991 ^{[10, p. 201]}, the Agreement on Cooperation in the field of tourism development between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism In 2007 ^{[10, pp. 201-202]}, Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation between the Tourism Administration of Vietnam and Sichuan Province (signed in 2010) ^{[10, p. 203]}, Agreement on cooperation in the field of tourism between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and the Department of Tourism of China for the period 2010-2013. ^{[10, p. 204]}. The signing of agreements on cooperation in the field of tourism demonstrates the commitment of the two countries to the development of cooperation in the field of tourism. These agreements have created a legal basis for tourism cooperation between the two countries.

To date, Vietnam has issued Decree 849/2004 ^[11] allowing Chinese tourists to visit Vietnam if they have entry and exit permits issued by China. Vietnam often coordinates with China to organize and promote tourism, research groups, and family trips.

The prospect of cooperation between Vietnam and China in the field of tourism is huge. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung commented: "Vietnamese-Chinese tourism cooperation has great potential, there are still many opportunities for development. Both sides need to continue to strengthen cooperation, share experiences, and effectively use the potential, turning tourism into a key sector of the economy of the two countries" ^[12]. Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Han Heng also said, "Vietnam is an attractive tourist destination for Chinese tourists. Both sides need to continue to strengthen cooperation, promote tourism and create favorable conditions for travel and visits by tourists from both countries" ^[5]. In general, the leaders of the two countries highly appreciate the potential and prospects of Vietnamese-Chinese tourism cooperation. Both sides want to strengthen cooperation and close coordination for the development of efficient and sustainable tourism.

Both countries have the potential to develop tourism with diverse and attractive destinations for tourists ^{[14, p. 266]}. With the rapid development of the Chinese economy, the number of Chinese tourists coming to Vietnam is also increasing significantly. The growth rate of tourism is always high. Many destinations have become especially attractive for Chinese tourists, such as Halong, Nha Trang, Da Nang and others^{[14, p. 268]}. On the contrary, more and more Vietnamese are choosing China as a travel destination, becoming the second largest tourism market in China^{[14, pp. 268-269]}.

Before the outbreak, China was the largest market for sending tourists to Vietnam, and Vietnam was also one of the five countries with the largest number of tourists heading to China. In 2013, the number of Chinese visitors to Vietnam reached more than 1.9 million people, which is 25.2% of the total number of foreign visitors to Vietnam and exceeds the figures of 2012 by 33.5% ^{[15, p. 178]}. In 2017, the number of Chinese visitors to Vietnam reached 4 million, which is about 30% of the total number of almost 13 million foreign visitors who visited Vietnam ^{[10, p. 336]}. According to a report by the World Tourism Organization, 3.1 million Vietnamese went to China in 2016 ^{[15, p. 179]}. In 2019, 5.8 million Chinese tourists visited Vietnam, which is almost a third of the total number of foreign visitors and an impressive increase of 17% compared to the same period in 2018 ^{[10, pp. 336-337]}. The number of Chinese tourists arriving in Vietnam is growing significantly: from 1.7 million visitors in 1991 to 6.3 million in 2022 ^{[15, p. 189]}. Strong revenue growth from Chinese tourism in Vietnam increased from US$100 million in 1991 to US$4.5 billion in 2022 ^{[15, pp. 189-190]}.

In addition to achievements, tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China also faces a number of problems ^{[4, p. 119]}. Cultural differences between the two countries can make it difficult to communicate and attract tourists. The quality of tourism services in Vietnam remains limited and does not always meet the growing needs of Chinese visitors. Difficulties with visa applications and immigration procedures also remain relevant. Competition from other tourism markets, such as Thailand, Malaysia, etc., also poses a problem for tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China ^{[4, p.120]}. These countries have many attractive tourist destinations and competitive prices, which attracts many Chinese tourists. An important aspect is also the political and diplomatic problems between the two countries, which may have an impact on tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China ^{[15, p. 186]}.

For the successful development of tourism between Vietnam and China, it is advisable to implement a number of joint solutions. First of all, it is necessary to optimize visa processing procedures by reducing the number of required documents to a minimum and creating an electronic portal for online application submission. This will allow tourists to save time and resources, making the visa application process more convenient and efficient. The dissemination of detailed information about visa procedures through official channels and websites of consulates also contributes to the clarity and confidence of tourists.

Secondly, improving the quality of travel services is possible by training staff in courses aimed at developing their professional and communication skills. Raising the level of customer service, attention to detail in the field of accommodation, guides and other aspects of the tourist experience will create a more pleasant impression for Chinese visitors. The development of a variety of tourism products that meet the needs of Chinese tourists is also a key aspect of this strategy.

Thirdly, the active promotion of cultural exchange through the organization of exchange programs and the support of artistic exchange promotes mutual understanding between the tourism enterprises of both countries. Emphasizing the cultural characteristics of Vietnam in China and vice versa creates positive impressions and strengthens cultural ties.

Fourth, the joint development of new tourism products requires close cooperation between both countries, as well as coordinated plans and actions. The creation of joint tourist routes contributes to a more convenient movement of tourists between Vietnam and China.

Fifth, the resolution of political and diplomatic issues and the strengthening of relations between the two countries will create a favorable environment for tourists. Facilitating dialogue and overcoming obstacles contributes to a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

The collective implementation of the above activities contributes to the active development of tourism between Vietnam and China, bringing mutual benefits to both countries.

Conclusion

In general, tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China, which began in 1991, has been actively developing over the past 30 years. The number of tourists from both countries has steadily increased over time.

Cooperation in the field of tourism between the two countries is increasingly expanding and deepening, as evidenced by numerous activities such as: promoting tourism, developing tourism products and improving the quality of services, ensuring the safety of visitors, etc.

In the future, cooperation between Vietnam and China in the field of tourism will continue to develop steadily. Special attention will be paid to improving the quality of services, simplifying the visa processing procedure, introducing smart tourism technologies, coordinating the development of new tourism products, as well as strengthening cultural exchanges and protecting cultural heritage.

Cooperation in the field of tourism makes a significant contribution to economic development, cultural exchange and the strengthening of good-neighborly friendship between the two countries. These cooperation relations will continue to develop actively in the future, bringing practical benefits to the peoples of the two countries. However, there are still many issues that need to be resolved in order to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of tourism in order to preserve the tourism environment of China and Vietnam for better and more sustainable development. With efforts and commitment, both countries will be able to continue to build strong tourism relations, accompanying the process of integration and development of the entire region.