The central province of Thua Thien-Hue has welcomed 1.8 million
tourists so far this year with revenue increasing 14 percent from 2012
to 1.65 trillion VND (78.8 million USD).
Foreign
arrivals, at 690,000, accounted for 18.5 percent of the total visitors.
Almost one fifth among them (18 percent) are from Thailand, 2
percent higher from a year earlier. Tourists from the Republic of Korea
were the second largest group, followed by those from France, Germany,
Australia, the UK, the US and Japan.
The rise in the
number of Thai tourists is attributable to the improved road system in
the East-West Economic Corridor, which connects Vietnam, Laos and
Thailand.
According to Director of the provincial
Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Phan Tien Dung, the province’s
tourism is expected to enjoy growth in the coming time when the Phu Bai
airport reopens on September 20 after upgrading.
This September, the province is carrying a tourism promotion programme
to celebrate the 20th year since the recognition of Hue ancient
imperial relics as part of the world cultural heritage. The programme
also marks the 10th anniversary of Nha Nhac (Court Music)’s inclusion in
the world intangible cultural heritage.
A ceremony to celebrate the two anniversaries will be held o September 29.
In addition, Hue city will host a conference of world heritage sites in Vietnam on the occasion.-VNA