Russia in recent years is always among the fastest growing markets of Viet Nam tourism, according to tourism experts.

Figures released by the General Statistics Office (GSO) showed that 12,500 Russian tourists came to Viet Nam in 2004, an increase of 42 percent over 2003. The number increased sharply to 23,800 in 2005, an increase of 94 percent over 2004. In the first 8 months this year, the country welcomed nearly 19,000 Russian tourists, an increase of 22 percent over the same period last year.
Major travel agencies such as Saigontourist and Ben Thanh Tourist said that the number of Russian tourists, though still lagging behind that of visitors from China, the US and Japan, has been increasing steadily and rapidly.
Russian tourists also spend more than other international travellers in Viet Nam, with an average of 1,458 USD, including 610 USD for self-spending, 40 percent higher than the average spending level of tourists from other countries, according to the GSO's survey.
Timoshina Taman, Director of the Russia Extreme Programme, noted that Russians are attracted by Viet Nam's tropical climate and beaches. She said that modern resorts along Viet Nam's central coast can meet all needs of Russian tourists.
According to a survey by Saigontourist, most Russian tourists favour long vacation with their family in high-grade resorts in the central and southern coastal areas such as Da Nang, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne and Phu Quoc.
In addition, the age-old relation between the former Soviet Union and the current Russia Federation with Viet Nam is also an important factor that makes Viet Nam appealing to Russian as many Russian people, particularly the old, have good sentiment towards Viet Nam and its people. In addition, a great number of Vietnamese nationals are working and studying in Russia, helping promoting Viet Nam tourism there.
According to Russian travel companies, Viet Nam's reputation of safety and attractiveness in the international travel market is also an important reason for Russian tourists to choose Viet Nam for their vacation, especially in the context of complicated developments in some Asian countries.
Besides, a number of Vietnamese and international airlines have set up direct or indirect services linking Viet Nam with Russian cities, facilitating travelling between the two countries.

(Source: VNA)