I n the first quarterof this year, Hanoi received more than 700,000 foreign visitors, up 15percent, and nearly 4.9 million domestic tourists, up 8 percent comparedto last year, thanks to the city’s effort to promote the environmentand boost cooperation among companies.
Hanoi’s current policyhas changed the tourism economy, said Luu Duc Ke, Director of HanoiTravel Agent, adding: “Although other economic sectors are facingdifficulties, the hospitality industry has maintained its growth, thanksto travel agents’ efforts. This is an opportunity for the government toconfirm its support for the sector’s development.”
Recently, Hanoi diversified its products to lure visitors. Apart fromits best-known attractions, the city is planning to create an area forstage puppetry performances and to organise additional traditional artshows.
Investment has been made in upgrading the infrastructureof inner-city cultural relic sites and improving service quality. Hanoiis also planning to turn the Ba Vi – Suoi Hai site into a nationaltourist complex and to develop community-based tourism in sevenmountainous villages in Hanoi’s outlying district of Ba Vi.
“Promoting links among companies has contributed to diversifyingproducts and services for tourists," Nguyen Thi Hoan, a tour guide withthe Hanoi Tourism Company, said.
The municipal tourismsector is promoting the construction of a centre covering an area of 50hectares in the outlying district of Dong Anh to introduce local craftvillages.
According to To Van Dong, Director of the municipalDepartment of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Hanoi is implementingtourism development projects with a focus on upgrading historical relicsand offering on-site translation so they can better understand whatthey are looking at.
In 2014, Hanoi targets 3 million foreigntourists and 16 million domestic travellers, 20 percent more than lastyear. It has set a goal of becoming a major tourist centre in theregion.-VNA