Vietnam hails tourism achievements

Vietnam's government has hailed the achievements its tourist board has made in attracting visitors to the country.

A ceremony organised by the Vietnam Administration for Tourism has also been held to mark the past five years of policy that has seen visitors flock to shop and visit the many tourist attractions.

The number of tourists to Vietnam since 1999 has swollen and revenues have doubled, according to VietNamNet.

In addition, the National Administration for Tourism is keen to see this growth continue as the country opens up and attracts outsiders with its relatively low prices and historical sites.

Under plans for the next five years, more advertising of the country will coincide with drives to highlight Vietnam's attraction to eco-tourists and its variety of cultural opportunities.

Attractions in the country include Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi and other cities, as well as temples and pagodas at Phu Tho and the ancient citadel at Huong Giang.

Hoping to create a tourist market "for the 21st century", Vietnam's natural beauty such as Mo Spring and Sapa rock field along with its cities have been praised for brining in the visitors.

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