(The European Union (EU) will provide 11 million euros for a five-year environmentally and socially responsible tourism (ESRT) development programme in Vietnam.

The figure was announced at a seminar on tourism law and developing Vietnam Tourism Occupational Skills Standards (VTOS) held in central Danang city on February 29.

The event, organized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), drew the participation of provincial tourism officials, and representatives of Vietnam travel agencies from the central and Central Highland regions.

The Vietnamese government will contribute 1.1 million euros to the programme that will be carried out by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

The project is designed to step up the provision of ESRT services during the 2011-2015 period, thereby supporting the implementation of the Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy.

It will focus on building policies and institutions, improving competitiveness and public-private partnership, and promoting education and vocational training.