Government approves tourism stimulus

      Based on proposal of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung on July 6 promulgated direction on tourism stimulus.
Accordingly, the Deputy PM, on principle, allowed businesses involved in international travel to take Vietnamese tourists and foreigners living in Vietnam on tours abroad. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism was assigned to coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide detailed guidance.
The Deputy PM also allowed some four and five-star hotels to open entertainment services till 2 a.m. from now to the end of 2010. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will announce the list of selected hotels and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and relevant localities to oversee the implementation of the new measures. After the pilot period, a report should be submitted to the Prime Minister regarding a possible extension.
Regarding foreign tour guide and reduction on taxes and other charges for hotel businesses, the Deputy PM asked the implementation in conformity with current regulations.
The Deputy PM assigned the Ministry of Industry and Trade to coordinate with relevant localities and ministries in planning and developing shopping centers for tourists; the Ministry of Transport to coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and relevant localities in developing tourist rest stops along highways, tourist routes.