Campaign launched to select new Tourism Ambassador

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on January 4 officially launched a campaign to select a new Tourism Ambassador for the 2013-2014 tenure. Nominations can be submitted until the end of February.
According to Nguyen Van Tinh, head of the Ministry’s International Cooperation Department, the ambassador should be domestically famous and have a wide circle of international acquaintances.
Well-known female singer My Tam is thought to be a strong candidate.
This year, Vietnam will focus on promoting the Trang An complex of relic-scenic area in the northern province of Ninh Binh – a spotlight of the 2013 Red River Delta-Hai Phong Tourism Year - with the hope for the site to be recognised as a world cultural and natural heritage, he said.
Regarding the performance of the first Tourism Ambassador, Ly Nha Ky, Tinh said she successfully completed her tasks during the 2011-2012 tenure, significantly contributing to promoting Vietnamese culture and tourism to international friends.
Particularly, she played an important role in the success of Ha Long Bay in the New World Wonders election, which has helped Vietnam attract more visitors, he added.
Last year, Ha Long Bay welcomed 2.5 million tourists, 1.4 million of which are foreigners.
The Tourism Ambassador was also active in garnering support for Vietnam’s bid to host the Asian Games (ASIAD) in 2019.