Addressing the opening ceremony, head of the tourism and hotel department Do Thi Hong Xoan said Vietnam’s tourism sector has seen unchecked growth in recent times, making an important contribution to the country’s economic development. In the first quarter of this year alone, the number of international visitors to Vietnam increased by 15.5 percent while the number of local holiday makers rose by 8 percent compared to the same period last year.

This year, Vietnam plans to welcome around 5.2 million international visitors and 2.4 million local tourists with total estimated revenues from the tourism sector reaching around VND64,000 billion.

The events also offered an opportunity for State managers, investors, and businessmen in the field of tourism to share experiences and sign business contracts. This was also an opportunity for tourism promotion agencies, tourism associations and tourism departments at provincial and municipal levels to promote their potential in the field.

The exhibitions also helped companies, organsiations, families and individuals seek tourism services for summer 2008.

The two exhibitions, which will continue through May 25, have attracted around 150 leading companies in the hotel, restaurant and tourism fields.