The tourism sector promises to become a spearhead of the economy, with its continual growth over recent years.

Despite the difficulties faced by both the local and global economy, more than 3.3 million foreign visitors arrived in Vietnam in the first nine months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 6 percent.

The number is expected to hit 5 million by the end of the year, bringing in 5 billion USD.

The names of Vietnam and its tourism attractions have become familiar in regional and world tourism contests, ranging from natural beauty to hotel services.
 

The government also pins its hope on the non-smoke industry, with the national plan of action for tourism in the 2006-2010 period setting the goal of turn the country into a first-class tourism destination in the region.

According to the Head of the Travel Department of the Viet Nam Administration of Tourism Vu The Binh, the sector is investing heavily in human resources and infrastructure to meet this target.

Tourism promotion activities have also been increased. Beside organising tourism events in the country and attending events abroad, the sector has launched advertisements on local and foreign television stations like VTV, CNN and BBC.

However, experts call for a “coordinator” to put an end to the spread investment in the sector.

All 63 provinces and cities nationwide are spending big money on promoting tourism but their actions lack clear and long-term planning as well as cooperation on large scale. As a result, the rate of return on investment is low and growth is unsustainable.

(Source: VNA)