The event attracted the participation of representatives of the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines in the European Union (EU), travel agencies in the UK, and Vietnamese tourism companies participating in the World Travel Market (WTM) expo in the UK.

Representatives from the Ministry introduced their plan for 2015-2017 to promote Viet Nam as a tourism destination in Europe, with a focus on organising annual programmes to introduce European holiday-makers to Vietnamese destinations and tourism services.

Embassy representatives said it was essential to make the most of the WTM to promote Viet Nam’s sector and establish new partnerships.

Overseas Vietnamese studying in the UK said they would do their utmost to introduce Viet Nam’s tourism to international friends by organising cultural and arts events at their universities.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho Anh Tuan highlighted the role of cooperation between the Ministry, Vietnamese diplomatic agencies, Vietnam Airlines and travel agencies in boosting the sector.

He said the Ministry would soon establish a coordination board to implement the plan with a view to realising the country’s objective of welcoming 9 million international tourists by 2020.

As part of the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the People’s Committee of the northern province of Quang Ninh and the Embassy, which aims to support the province’s efforts to promote tourism and attract investments.