DPRK-USA Summit – Golden chance for tourism

Hanoi (VNA) – The upcoming DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit Vietnam is a golden chance to promote Vietnamese tourism and enhance the image of a safe, friendly and hospitable destination.

According to Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Ha Van Sieu, the second meeting between the DPRK and US leaders in Hanoi is significant event of global relevance.

The VNAT considers the event an opportunity for Vietnamese tourism to introduce the nation, people and tourist sites of Vietnam through the media, said Sieu.

The hosting of the meeting is expected to enhance Vietnam’s prestige in the eyes of international friends, helping attract more tourists to the Southeast Asian country, he said.

Previously, Australian PM John Howard jogged around Hoan Kiem Lake during his stay for the 14th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, US President Barack Obama enjoyed “bun cha” at a small restaurant in Le Van Huu street and talked to a street vendor in Me Tri market. These stories reflected a safe and hospitable Vietnam, stated Sieu.

Meanwhile, Hoang Nhan Chinh, head of the Secretariat of the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board, said the second DPRK-USA Summit will turn Vietnam into the focus of the global media, giving a precious chance for tourism promotion.

He advised the sector to pay greater attention to approaching foreign reporters through free tours to popular destinations, giving them information for their stories.

Sieu said that to make full use of the historical chance, the VNAT has worked closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to introduce Vietnamese tourism. The VNAT has prepared several video clips on tourist sites, food and heritage of Vietnam to send to foreign reporters.

Along with showcasing famous destinations of Vietnam at the International Media Centre in Hanoi, the VNAT has designed tours inside Hanoi and to Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and Sapa for reporters, said Sieu.

At the same time, Chinh stressed the need to focus on attracting more tourists from the US following the summit by designing special policies for them such as visa exemptions and opening a direct air route linking the two countries.

Chinh underscored the need for the tourism sector to enhance the quality of destinations. He also advised Hanoi and Da Nang – the cities that have hosted many world leaders - to expand meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism, opening opportunities for economic investment.-VNA