At the meetings, General Director Nguyen Van Tuan expressed his appreciation to the Embassies for their contribution to attracting tourists to Viet Nam and hoped to receive further support for Viet Nam Tourism.

The General Director also informed about the tense situation in the East Sea following China’s illegal placement of HD-981 rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf which caused serious concerns of Vietnamese people and international communities. In strong responses of Vietnamese people to China’ illegal operation, several spontaneous incidents occurred in some industrial zones in the South of Viet Nam which might worries foreign visitors.

Along with peaceful solutions for the East Sea disputes, Vietnamese Government asked the local authorities to keep close control over the situation and ensure public security. The situation has now been under control and all extremists have been arrested.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan emphasized that tourism activities are still operating as usual in Viet Nam including in coastal destinations. Viet Nam is making best efforts to ensure security, safety and service quality for tourists.

The Ambassadors and Minister Counselors expressed their understandings of the situation in the East Sea and spoke highly the timely response of Vietnamese Government and tourism industry. They agreed that all activities in Viet Nam including tourism are operating as usual and safe and will encourage their citizens and tourism businesses to continue traveling to Viet Nam.

VNAT’s General Director Nguyen Van Tuan also announced tourism promotion programs in these 7 source markets in the coming time and proposed close co-operation to ensure effectiveness of the promotion programs and growth of tourist arrivals.

Thanh Tam