Russia-potential market for Vietnam tourism

Promoting sustainable tourism is the thrust of a programme launched by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) in Moscow on March 19.
At the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Pham Xuan Son spoke glowingly of the programme and its efficacy in promoting tourism in Vietnam.
The ambassador recounted tourism development in Vietnam in recent times, pinpointing with detailed accuracy the improvement of infrastructure and services.
"Vietnam granted a 15-day visa exemption to Russian visitors in 2009, resulting in an increasing number of Russian visitors travelling to Vietnam,” he said.
“As of March 11, foreigners who travel to Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang province will benefit from a new 30-day visa exemption,” he announced.
Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam’s major tourist destinations for Russians. Its air terminal welcomed the first Russian flight in February 2014, bringing 250 Russian visitors to the island.
Deputy Director General of VNAT Nguyen Quoc Hung emphasized that Vietnam considers Russia one of its key tourism markets and that more Russian visitors know Vietnam through Russian travel agencies.
Vietnam Airlines representatives introduced its incentives for Russian tourists travelling to Vietnam, noting the airline is increasing the frequency of flights to attractive destinations in Vietnam.
The number of Russian tourists to Vietnam has increased dramatically over the years, and it is expected to rise 350,000 in 2015.