The goals of the program are to attract domestic and international tourists to Hai Phong; link development of tourism with trade and service sectors; stimulate consumption of domestic goods, especially goods produced in Hai Phong; improve the awareness of tourism for local people; improve the role of tourism as a key economic sector.

The activities of the program include: organizing the conference on implementing Tourism Stimulus Program 2013; guiding tour operators, hotels, transportations, supermarkets, shops, restaurants, parks, tourist sites... to participate in the program; introduce souvenirs, gifts and specialties of traditional craft villages for tourists; coordinate with other departments and Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism to organize many events such as: Food Festival of Red River Delta 2013; Hai Phong Promotional Week 2013 in July 2013; National Contests of Tour Guide and Hotel Front Office in October 2013...

To implement effectively Tourism Stimulus Program 2013, particularly in the 4^th quarter of 2013, Hai Phong's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism need to coordinate closely with other departments and agencies to strengthen propaganda, promotion and guide for tourism enterprises to implement activities in response to the program; continue urging the management boards of relics, tourist sites, stations... to upgrade their infrastructure and equipment to serve tourists.

In the first 8 months of 2013, Hai Phong City welcomed more than 3.4 million tourist arrivals (up 7.11% compared to the same period in 2012), including 379,890 international ones (up 1.74% compared to the same period in 2012). Tourism revenue reached 1,385.134 billion VND (up 11.34% compared to the same period in 2012). The successful organizations of the events of National Tourism Year of the Red River Delta - Hai Phong 2013 and Tourism Stimulus Program 2013 will contribute to improving the position of Hai Phong City and attracting more and more tourists to the port city.

Thu Giang