The seminar had the presence of General Director of Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Van Tuan; Deputy Director of Pegas Touristik Branch in Viet Nam; Director of Pegas Touristik Branch in Saint Petersburg; Provincial leaders and tourism businesses of Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan; Tour Operators and tourism businesses of Pegas touristik Group in Saint Petersburg.

Speaking at the seminar, General Director Nguyen Van Tuan appreciated cooperative relationship between Viet Nam and Russia. He said that Viet Nam has been making efforts to improve urban systems, transportation, policies development and ensure security, political stability. Viet Nam has become a popular destination of international tourists, of which Russia is one of the most important source markets with rapid growth of tourist arrivals. In 2013, Viet Nam welcomed approximately 300,000 Russian arrivals which increased nearly 6 times over 5 years ago (nearly 49,000 arrivals); In 2014, Viet Nam expects to receive about 400,000 Russian arrivals. Especially, the number of Russian tourists taken to Viet Nam by Pegas Touristik Group and Anh Duong Tourist Company occupied 60% of total Russian arrivals.

He also emphasized advantages of Viet Nam with long and beautiful beaches; famous attractions located along the country, especially in provinces of Da Nang, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Ba Ria-Vung Tau where tourists could be pleased with magnificent views and special local dishes.

At the seminar, Vietnamese accommodation businesses namely Muine Bay Resort, Muine de Century Resort & Spa, Camela Hotel & Resort, Michelia Hotel, Bamboo Village Resort & Spa also introduced about their services and facilities aiming to welcome Russian tourists.

Representatives of Russian tour operators in Saint Petersburg expressed their determination to attract more Russian tourists to Viet Nam in the coming time and hoped Vietnamese relevant authorities would facilitate them to foster this process.

Thanh Tam