The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held an international press conference to launch the programme entitled “Exciting Vietnam”.

“Exciting Vietnam” provided an excellent opportunity for the country to promote its safe, friendly and attractive destinations in key tourism areas for international press, helping them keep abreast of real situation in Vietnam and introduce the country’s tourism to international visitors.

Safe, friendly and attractive destination

MoCST Deputy Minister Ho Anh Tuan said despite facing a number of difficulties and challenges, the Vietnamese tourism sector still has managed to obtain stable growth in terms of the number of visitors and turnover.

Last year, Vietnam received 7.57 million foreign visitors and 32.5 million domestic holiday-makers, grossing VND200 trillion in revenue. In the first half of this year, the country welcomed more than 4.28 million foreign visitors (up 21% against the same period last year) and 23.4 million domestic tourists (up 7%), yielding VND125 trillion (up 22%) in total revenue.

The East Sea stand-off caused by China’s illegal deployment of Haiyang Shiyou 981-rig deep inside Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone has negatively affected the tourism sector.

To quash tourist concerns, the Vietnamese government has mobilised sources and implemented a series of measures to ensure security and safety for visitors.

“Safety is always the top priority and the government will spare no effort to ensure safety and provide high quality services for foreign tourists,” Tuan said.

“Exciting Vietnam” is one of practical activities aiming to further promote tourism development and demonstrate that Vietnam always welcomes visitors from around the world.

A series of promotion activities have been implemented. International and domestic reporters will have a chance to make fact-finding tours of localities in Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Danang, Quang Nam, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City and Tien Giang from July 9-15.

Travel agents from key and potential markets like Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, France and the US will cooperate with regional countries to exchange visitors and exploit the third markets.

Additionally, Vietnam will organise large-scale programmes at key markets like Japan, the RoK, Russia and Taiwan and attend more international tourism fairs.

Global visitors are all welcome

Vice Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Manh Cuong reported that the number of Chinese visitors to Vietnam in May and June declined compared to April, but still rose 34% in the first half of this year.

Currently, Quang Ninh and Lao Cai provinces have begun to see a rebound in numbers of Chinese tourists.

Vietnam continues to keep normal activities to welcome foreign visitors, irrespective of where they come from. Promotions in foreign markets, including China, will be carried out as scheduled, Cuong stated.

MoCST Deputy Minister Tuan said Vietnam has great potential for sea tourism development as it possesses many beautiful beaches. The tourism sector has developed many tours of sea and islands with many incentives for visitors.

Phu Quoc, Con Dao and Ly Son islands are the most attractive destinations. However, poor infrastructure is major obstacle to sea tourism development, as ports are capable of receiving cruise ships carrying between 4,000 and 5,000 tourists.

Chan May Port in Thua Thien-Hue province has been chosen to be upgraded in the future with the aim of welcoming big cruise liners with 6,000 passengers on board.

Tuan added that state management agencies, local authorities and the business community have made every effort to promote sustainable tourism development, timely cope with arising risks and create the best possible conditions for investors to build luxury resorts and shopping centres to lure visitors.

All behaviours that detrimentally affect the country’s tourism environment will be strictly dealt with in accordance with the full force of the law, he said.

Thanks to great efforts of the whole management agencies and citizens, the nation’s reputation as an attractive tourist destination is continuing to rise in the eyes of international tourists, he said.