Dang Thi Thi Thanh ” Vietnam to Participate in Tourism Exhibitions and Events in Egypt “
Chairwoman of BenThanh Tourist Talks About Opportunities and Challenges in International Tourism Cooperation
Extensive Experience and Female Leadership in Vietnam’s Tourism Sector
Vietnamese Tourism Pioneer with a Strategic Vision to Enhance Cooperation with Egypt
The Egyptian Market in Vietnam’s Future Tourism Promotion Strategies
Direct Air Connectivity: The Key to Facilitating Travel Between the Two Countries
Tourism as a Bridge for People-to-People Cultural Exchange
The Role of Governments in Facilitating Procedures and Encouraging Tourism
The Need for Joint Programs and Initiatives to Develop Tourism Between Egypt and Vietnam
Interview conducted by: Ahmed Diab
In light of the rapid changes in the global tourism sector, female leaders have emerged as influential forces in reshaping travel experiences and expanding international cooperation. Among these leaders is Dang Thi Thi Thanh, Chairwoman of BenThanh Tourist, one of the leading tourism companies in Vietnam, with over 25 years of experience in hospitality, tourism, and service management.
BenThanh Tourist was founded 36 years ago and currently employs nearly 500 staff members. The company operates across three main pillars: real estate, tourism, and hospitality (restaurants and hotels). For many consecutive years, the company has been ranked among the top three tourism companies in Vietnam, known for its professionalism, service quality, and strong brand reputation.
As a female business leader, Dang strongly believes in the values of sustainable development, investment in human capital, innovation, and international cooperation. She is particularly focused on promoting tourism partnerships, cultural exchange, and long-term collaboration between Vietnam and international markets.
This exclusive interview with Dang provides a comprehensive insight into tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Egypt, investment opportunities, challenges, the importance of enhancing air connectivity and joint promotion, as well as messages directed to both Egyptian and Vietnamese tourists.
To begin, could you give us a brief overview of your biography
My name is Dang Thi Thi Thanh. I am the Chairwoman of BenThanh Tourist, one of the leading tourism companies in Vietnam. I have over 25 years of experience in hospitality, tourism, and service management, focusing on strategic planning, investment, corporate governance, and overall business management to ensure sustainable growth and long-term value.
BenThanh Tourist was established 36 years ago and currently employs around 500 staff members. The company operates in three main pillars: real estate, tourism, and hospitality (restaurants and hotels). The company is recognized for its professionalism, service quality, and strong brand reputation.
How do you assess the current state of tourism cooperation between Egypt and Vietnam
Tourism cooperation between the two countries holds great potential. While the current tourism volume is limited, the interest of Vietnamese tourists in Egypt’s cultural heritage is steadily increasing, forming a solid foundation for deeper cooperation in the coming years.
What are the main attractions that could encourage Vietnamese tourists to visit Egypt?
Egypt offers a unique tourism experience: ancient civilizations, world-famous landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Nile River, Luxor and Aswan, as well as desert and Red Sea experiences, which attract Vietnamese tourists interested in cultural and experiential tourism.
Conversely, what are the main tourism strengths in Vietnam that may appeal to Egyptian travelers
Vietnam offers rich natural landscapes, diverse culture, warm hospitality, high-quality services at competitive prices, and a wide range of tourism products such as beach tourism, heritage tourism, gastronomy, wellness, and eco-tourism. Vietnam is also a safe and welcoming destination for travelers from the Middle East and North Africa.
Are there any joint programs or initiatives aimed at boosting mutual tourism flows
Currently, joint tourism programs are limited. However, there is significant potential to develop cooperative initiatives such as familiarization trips, joint promotional campaigns, and cooperation between tourism companies from both countries.
How can travel agencies and tourism companies collaborate to develop joint tourism packages
A clear division of roles would be most effective. Egyptian partners can focus on destination management and product design, while BenThanh Tourist and Vietnamese companies can act as sales agents, consultants, and customer service specialists for Vietnamese travelers. This ensures proper service quality, cultural understanding, and maximizes strengths on both sides.
How important is increasing flight frequency or establishing direct flights
Increasing flight frequency or establishing direct flights significantly reduces travel time and costs, making Egypt more accessible to Vietnamese tourists and vice versa. This would provide a major boost to tourism exchange.
What are the main challenges hindering tourism growth between the two countries
The main challenges include long travel distances, limited flight connections, low market awareness, and visa procedures that may discourage spontaneous travel decisions.
How can the governments of both countries help overcome these challenges
Visa facilitation is essential. Measures such as e-visas or visas on arrival, and reducing visa processing time, would significantly encourage tourism, business travel, and people-to-people exchange.
Has the Egyptian market been included in Vietnam’s tourism promotion strategies
The Egyptian market is still relatively new for Vietnam, but there is growing interest. Vietnam’s tourism authorities and companies are gradually expanding promotion efforts toward Middle Eastern and African markets, including Egypt.
To what extent is Egypt interested in attracting Vietnamese tourists
Egypt shows a strong desire to diversify tourism markets and attract more Asian travelers, including from Vietnam. Targeted promotional campaigns could further increase awareness among Vietnamese tourists.
In which areas can Egypt and Vietnam exchange expertise for sustainable tourism development
The two countries can exchange expertise in heritage preservation, sustainable tourism management, community-based tourism, and balancing tourism growth with cultural and environmental protection.
How can media cooperation be enhanced to promote tourism awareness
Joint media campaigns, travel documentaries, press trips, and digital storytelling can help both countries better understand each other’s culture and tourism potential.
Are there plans for Vietnam to expand participation in tourism events in Egypt
Vietnamese tourism companies, including BenThanh Tourist, are very interested in participating in tourism fairs, exhibitions, and B2B events in Egypt to explore partnerships and introduce Vietnam as a tourist destination.
What tourism investment opportunities could be developed between Egypt and Vietnam
Potential opportunities include joint tour operations, destination marketing, cultural tourism projects, cruise tourism, and investment in hospitality services tailored to long-haul travelers.
What message would you like to send to Egyptian and Vietnamese tourists
To Egyptian tourists: We warmly invite you to explore Vietnam — a country of rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and genuine hospitality.
To Vietnamese tourists: Egypt offers an unforgettable journey into the cradle of ancient civilizations, filled with wonder, history, and inspiration.
As representatives of BenThanh Tourist, we firmly believe that with closer cooperation, improved connectivity, and supportive policies, tourism will become a strong bridge connecting Egypt and Vietnam in the years to come.
