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 city 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.

Source: VNA/SGGP