Vietnam warmly greets the fifth million international visitor

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) on December 24 held a ceremony to welcome the fifth million foreign visitor to Vietnam in 2010, at Noi Bai International Airport.
Zhou Ying, a Chinese auditor, is the fifth million foreign visitor to Vietnam on December 24. (Photo:VOH)
Zhou Ying, a Chinese auditor, who flew into Vietnam on flight VN901, from Beijing to Ha Noi, was the lucky visitor. The VNAT also offered a tour for two people from Hue to Hoi An, to the fifth million foreign visitor - Zhou Ying.
Nguyen Van Tuan, the general director of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) said five million is the highest number they have had in 20 years. It also proven that Vietnam has become one of the top destinations in the ASEAN region. This is because of its image as a safe and friendly destination.
The tourism industry sector also offered gifts and campaign medal to the 4,999,999th foreign visitor – a Chinese visitor and the 5,000,001 – also a Chinese visitor. All the lucky visitors flew into Vietnam on flight VN901, from Beijing to Hanoi.
The number of foreign arrivals to Vietnam is 35 per cent higher than compared with last year. Domestic tourists have also risen – by 13 per cent to 28 million. Chinese people were highest number of travellers to Vietnam, followed by South Korea, Japan, the US, Taiwan and Australia.
By 2015, the tourism industry plans to earn $8.9 billion from 12 million foreign visitors and host 28 million domestic travellers, according to a draft on tourism development. A survey has shown that Vietnam is emerging as one of the top destinations because of its distinctive culture, beautiful natural scenery and affordable attractions.