Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has called on all ministries, organisations and people to join hands to develop Vietnam’s tourism trademark, making the country an attractive, safe and friendly destination.

Dam made the call attending the second Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) which kicked off in Hanoi on April 3 with the aim of promoting tourism products and stimulating tourist demand.

He affirmed that the four-day VITM is important to the development of the tourism sector in particular and the country in general.

Despite of domestic and global economic difficulties, the sector has still enjoyed rapid growth, helping develop culture and economics and contributing to poverty reduction.

In the first quarter of this year, it saw year-on-year increases of 29 percent in the number of foreign visitors and over 30 percent in revenue.

Vice President of the Vietnam Tourism Association and head of the organising board Vu The Binh said that the 2014 VITM has 508 booths, including 154 of travel agents from 22 countries and territories worldwide.

The event is expected to attract the participation of 3,000 businesses and 50,000 visitors. Airlines and travel agents are also offering attractive promotions at the exhibition.-VNA