Vietnam’s travel agencies, Amitour and An Viet, joined others from ASEAN countries in an international tourism fair held in Ekaterinburg city, central Sverdlovsk province of Russia, on Oct. 7-8.

Expotravel 2011 was part of activities to mark the 15th anniversary of the dialogue partnership between Russia and ASEAN (1996-2011).

Addressing the opening ceremony of the fair, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Pham Xuan Son, briefed about Vietnam ’s socio-economic development over the past 20 years, highlighting the country’s economic growth and stable political situation.

He affirmed that many Vietnamese people can speak Russian. They love Russia and wish to visit the country.

The number of Russian visitors to Vietnam increases constantly and is expected to reach 120,000 this year thanks to Vietnam’s visa exemption for Russian visitors who stay in Vietnam in less than 15 days./.