VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Wednesday declared outstanding cultural, sports and tourism events and problems of 2008.

The scandal related to the Miss Vietnam pageant becomes a problem of the cultural, sports and tourism sector in 2008.

There are ten cultural, sports and tourism events of the year:

1. Foreign cultural exchange activities were held successfully, leaving good impressions on international friends.
2. The Culture Day for Vietnamese Ethnic Groups, April 19, was defined under the Prime Minister’s decision and the success of the cultural, sports and tourism festivals in 2008.
3. The Miss Universe pageant contest was held in Vietnam for the first time.
4. Hue city Festival, Tay Son-Binh Dinh Festival, the first international fireworks contest in Da Nang, and Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival.
5. Cultural activities to celebrate the UN Vesak celebrations in Vietnam and the celebrations of King, Buddhist Master Tran Nhan Tong.
6. “When the tenth month comes” was selected as one of the 18 best Asian movies of all time by CNN; the set of photos named “Culture of ethnic minority groups in the Central Highland of Vietnam” won the world cup in the 29^th international black-and-white photo contest.
7. The Vietnamese sports delegation ranked 71^st out of the total 200 delegations at the Olympics in Beijing.
8. Vietnam hosted the World Young Chess Championship.
9. The U22 football squad won the championship of the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia. The national football team entered the finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup; Vietnamese athletes conquered Everest.
10. The campaign to call for votes for Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and the Fansipan Mountain as new world natural wonders and activities under the Mekong-Can Tho National Tourism Year.

The Ministry also pointed out five problems:

1. The dance of students at FPT Arena Centre (dancers were nearly nude).
2. The scandal related to the Miss Vietnam beauty contest.
3. Domestic violence, violence against the elderly, children and women.
4. Hooliganism in football.
5. Environmental pollution, tourism natural resources were injured, affecting the quality and attractiveness of tourism.

PV