Popularizing national images through culture, sports and tourism

The eventful year of 2009 has been marked by cultural, sport and tourist activities, which created fine impressions for Vietnamese people and international friends, said a high-ranking official.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoàng Tuấn Anh made the statement on December 28, in the central city of Đà Nẵng at the closing meeting on the ministry’s performance in 2009 and plans in 2010.
In 2009, for the first time, the images of the Vietnamese country and people were introduced to much more international friends through the first biggest advertisement programs on BBC World, CNN and taxis in London, UK. These programs have helped to bring about a revenue of VND 70 trillion for the sector, up 10% against 2008.
Due to the global economic crisis, the number of foreign visitors stood at 3.8 million, down 11.5% against the previous year. However, the number of domestic tourists surged by 19%.
Addressing the meeting, Deputy PM Nguyễn Thiện Nhân noted the necessity to realize the Cultural Development Strategy until 2020.
Regarding sports, the Deputy PM suggested the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism make every effort to keep the national status as one of the two leading countries in Southeastern Asia, striving to conquer new heights at continental and world levels.
The Ministry should pour more investment in diversifying and bettering tourism services in order to receive about 4.2 millions of international tourists and 28 million domestic ones, earn US $4-4.5 billion, and contribute 5.3% to the country’s GDP in 2010.