Vietnam is expecting increased tourists from India, especially, West Bengal in the coming years, Ton Sinh Thanh, Ambassador of Vietnam to India, Nepal & Bhutan said here on Tuesday.

In the first 11 months of last year (2014), Vietnam has seen a near 67 per cent rise in tourists from India, to 50,000. In 2013, around 30,000 people had travelled from here to the South East Asian nation.

“We are looking to promote Vietnam as a major tourist destination. Buddhist pilgrimage spots, Hindu cultural links, seaside and beaches and scenic beauties should be a major draw,” he said here in the city.

Facilitating visa for tourists is one such initiative that might translate to increased travel.

Accordingly, the first visa application centre has come up in the city in collaboration with Cox & Kings. The centre, inaugurated today, is expected to help collect, process and complete the visa formalities within five (working) days for those travelling to Vietnam from here in the State.

“Depending on the success, we might explore having more such centres in places where we do not have an embassy or consulate office,” the Ambassador said.

Also on cards are exploring Bollywood film tie-ups; and promoting the country as a destination wedding spot.

Attempts are also being made to have direct flights between Kolkata and Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

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