More than 400 domestic and foreign businesses, including airlines,
travel agencies and hotel and resort operators, are taking part in the
first Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM), which opened in Hanoi
on April 18.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister
Nguyen Thien Nhan praised the organistion of the VITM, saying it meets
the demands of both tourists and businesses.
He
said the Government supports the annual hosting of such an event and
encourages foreign friends to continue attending the event in the coming
years.
The four-day event covers numerous activities to introduce destinations, offer tourism products and organise workshops.
The
number of international foreign visitors to Vietnam rose to 6.8
million last year from 1.3 million in 1995 while the number of domestic
holiday makers increased remarkably from 6.9 million to 32.5 million
over the same period.
Vietnam has more than 30,000 tourism businesses, generating jobs for 1.5 million workers.-VNA