Bigger resul expected for tourism sector

In 2013, the tourism sector expects to further gain better performance when Vietnam continues to be a friendly and attractive destination for international tourists.

Despite economic difficulties in 2012, Vietnam managed to receive nearly 7 million international arrivals. The tourism sector targets to welcome 7.2 million international tourists, serve 35 million domestic ones, and pocket a total revenue of VND190 trillion this year. In 2013, Vietnam expects to welcome 7.2 million of international arrivals To fulfill the goals, the sector continues to place importance on international cooperation in order to gain better experience and support from countries and international organizations to promoting Vietnamese tourism potential. A survey conducted during the annual meeting of the US Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Vietnam stands second among newly-emerging destinations mostly chosen by international tourists in 2013. At a meeting with tour operators in Ho Chi minh City in late 2012, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho Anh Tuan revealed that the Tourism Stimulation Program 2013 aims at three specific targets, namely increasing the number of domestic tourists and those from key markets; turning Viet Nam into an attractive and high-quality destination; and raising awareness of tourism among tour services providers and people. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism intends to organize more farmtrips for foreign tour operators and journalists; provide exemplary tours and more tourism information; encourage tourism promotion in key and promising markets and at international tourism events in 2013.