(TITC) - In the framework of Viet Nam Culture Days in Russia 2014 from June 24 to July 2, tourism roadshows were launched by Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism in Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Yaroslavl to promote Viet Nam tourism and attract Russians to the country.
VNAT's General Director Nguyen Van Tuan making speech at Moscow roadshow
Russia has always been considered one of key tourism source markets of Viet Nam. Given the traditional warm relationship between the two countries, Viet Nam has many favorable conditions to attract Russian tourists and various sound initiatives have also been implemented such as:
Since January 2009, Viet Nam unilaterally has exempted visa for Russian citizens entering Viet Nam for 15 days and from March 01, 2014 exempted visa not more than 30 days for Russians visiting Phu Quoc (Kien Giang Province).
Increase of direct flight frequencies between Viet Nam and Russia has been seen in recent years. Most of Russian visitors coming to Viet Nam by air from Moscow using transport services of Vietnam Airlines, Aeroflot...
In terms of tourism investment, Russia has 4 projects with total capital of USD 11.792 million in fields of accommodation and catering business (in the total of 99 tourism projects with USD 1.946 billion nationwide).
Regarding tourism promotion, many promotional activities were held in framework of Viet Nam Culture Days in Russia, notably tourism roadshows in Moscow, Saint Petersburg in 2011, in Vladivostok in 2012, in the 21st MITT 2014; participating in Intourmarket, Luxury Leisure and MITT in Moscow (annually since 2008); organizing Viet Nam – Russia Tourism Cooperation and Development Conference; receiving Russian famtrip to Ha Noi - Quang Ninh - Hai Phong - Ninh Binh in May 2014.
Thanks to the enhanced cooperation of tourism authorities, travel enterprises and airlines between the two countries, strong growth of Russian arrivals to Viet Nam has been seen. Russian arrivals to Viet Nam recorded 23,800, over 100,000 and nearly 300,000 in 2005, 2011 and 2013 respectively. Russia has become one of the most important tourism source markets of Viet Nam, in terms of arrival growth, length of stay and tourist expenditure. In 2013, Russia ranked 9th in the top ten source markets of Viet Nam. In the first 6 months of 2014, Russian arrival growth recorded 25.95% over same period last year, reaching 193,000 arrivals.
Russia tourists welcomed at Phu Quoc international airport
Viet Nam is promisingly a paradise for Russian tourists with rich ecosystem, beautiful beaches, warm climate, unique culture, delicious cuisine and hospitable people. Developed tourism infrastructure is also a plus point for Viet Nam to attract Russians. Viet Nam tourism sector would ensure to offer tourism products and services of best quality to satisfy Russia tourists. Meanwhile, Viet Nam is making best effort to facilitate travel of Russia tourists to Viet Nam, tourism and travel enterprises and investors for an effective business cooperation between the two countries.
The tourism roadshows would become a bridge to connect people, tourism businesses; reinforce travel exchange; contribute to strengthened cooperation in tourism and culture as well as the traditional fruitful relationship between Viet Nam and Russia.
Truyen Phuong