Tourism sector to hit goal two years ahead of plan

Viet Nam is expected to receive 7.4-7.5 million foreign travelers and 35 million domestic tourists at the end of this year, earning total revenues of VND195,000 billion.
According to Chairman of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, despite the international and domestic economic slowdown, Viet Nam’s tourism still maintains a remarkable growth rate.
In the first 10 months of 2013, 6.12 million foreign tourists travelled to Viet Nam, a year-on-year increase of 10.4%, as many as 32.5 million domestic visitors bought local tours. They generated VND165,000 billion in revenue for the sector.
Under the Strategy on Viet Nam’s Tourism Development until 2020 with a vision to 2030, Viet Nam sets the goal of receiving from 7.4-7.5 million foreign visitors by 2015. The nation is expected to achieve the goal two years ahead of the set time.
These achievements werr attributed to the efforts of the localities, especially cities and provinces which boast high potential of developing tourism, Mr. Tuan said. In addition, the business community’s dynamism and creativity have made great contribution to this success, he stressed.
Currently, Viet Nam has recorded 1,250 travel agencies. Of the total 14,200 hotels, 34% are rated three to five-star hotels.
With a staff of 36,000 in 1993, the tourism sector now has 570,000 direct employees and 1.8 million indirect ones..