APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting: An opportunity for Vietnam tourism

 

As a matter of fact, in most recent years, tourists from 21 APEC member economies make up over 70% of foreign tourists visiting Vietnam. In 2004, the percentage was 75% among 2.9 million foreign tourists. In 2005 it was respectively 72% and 3.47 million. In the first eight months of this year, among 2.46 million foreign tourists visiting Vietnam, 1.77 million are from APEC member economies or 74%.

 

On the occasion of APEC Vietnam 2006, Vietnam tourism is actively promoting its image to attract foreign tourists in the next stage. A promotion project has been approved by the government on the occasion of APEC event.

 

The project will be implemented by nine measures : mass media, hotels, conferences, tourist centres, Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Hoi An, Vietnam-US Trade Cooperation Conference and local activities.

 

For its part, Quang Nam province has organized several cultural activities during the Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Hoi An such as Exhibition on Vietnam Tourism, Quang Nam Tourism Trade Fair, “Hoi An Friendship Night”, etc. All the activities have attracted special interests of delegates from APEC member economies. Experts believe that after the conference, Hoi An will have the chance to expand the market, especially from 21 APEC member economies and promote tourism of Vietnam and of Quang Nam in particular.

 

To enhance APEC cooperation in tourism, Vietnam Administration of Tourism has put forth such initiatives as : annual APEC Tourism Trade Fair organized by rotation among member economies, APEC Tourism Investment Forum, attracting investments and developing direct flights linking world cultural heritages among APEC members.