A tourism gift expo of Hanoi has been kicked off at the pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem Lake from April 29 to May 1, as part of the efforts to revive the local tourism and activities to welcome the 31st Southeast Asian Games, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.

The event features different spaces for visitors to discover craft village culture, art, travel photos, and local products, the department said, adding that attendees will be treated to performances of graffiti art, flash mob, acoustic music, and skateboarding, as well as a cycle rickshaw ride around the lake.

Hanoi leaders and delegates visits stalls at the expo. Photo: Le Nam

Chuong village hats in Thanh Oai District, Thach Xa bamboo dragonfly and Chang Son paper fan in Thach That District), “to he” in Phu Xuyen District, Van Phuc silk in Ha Dong District, Bat Trang pottery in Gia Lam District, Ha Thai Lacquer in Thuong Tin District are on display, introducing the diversity of Hanoi traditional trades.

Other highlights of the fair include talk shows involving ca tru (ceremonial singing) performers and artisans of water puppet and paper fan, a coffee tasting event, hands-on experience activities of making  toys, and a photo exhibition on Hanoi.

At the opening ceremony, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism Dang Huong Giang launched the contests of “Designing products for tourism gifts in Hanoi in 2022”, and “Beautiful photos of Hanoi tourism in 2022”.

“The product of the contest will be a message introducing Hanoi life, people and culture; promoting scenic spots, historical-cultural relics, tourist destinations, tourist products and gifts from Hanoi to a large number of domestic and foreign tourists, contributing significantly to enriching the tourism identity of Hanoi,” said Giang.

According to the Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen, over the past time, Hanoi has built a system of services and typical tourism products to take visitors to the local cultural heritage destinations, museums, amusement parks and especially craft villages.

Located in the heart of ​​the Red River Delta, Hanoi has 1,350 craft villages, of which many have a history of hundreds to thousands of years of development such as: Bat Trang pottery, Van Phuc silk, Duyen Thai lacquer, Da Sy forging, Ngu Xa bronze casting, Phu Vinh bamboo and rattan, Chuong hat village, among others.

“The expo not only introduces and promotes Hanoi tourism gift products, encourages the development of the gift manufacturing industry, creates jobs to increase income for the labor force, but also contributes to attracting tourists, restoring tourism activities in the capital. Besides, it helps stimulate domestic tourism demand and restore the city’s tourist market after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The expo also contributes to building the image of Hanoi tourism as a ‘Safe - Friendly - Qualified - Attractive’ destination that meets development requirements in the new situation, contributing to the overall development of tourism in the whole country,” the vice chairman emphasized.

Tour operators and airlines are expected to provide briefing on their special tours and attractive discount programs during the event.