The central province of Quang Nam welcomed 1.65 million foreign tourists in 2013, accounting for one fifth of the country’s total foreign visitors in the year, according to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The Department, on December 24, revealed that the province catered for a total of 3.5 million domestic and foreign visitors in the year, earning around 1.8 trillion VND in revenue.

The province has set a target of developing sustainable tourism associated with the preservation and promotion of cultural values so it can better contribute to local economic growth.

It currently has 123 accommodation facilities with 5,153 rooms. These include four five-star hotels, 11 four-star hotels and 11 three-star hotels.

It has reopened some beaches, put Cua Dai port into stable operation and promoted tourism development in the Cham islands.

The provincial tourism sector is intensifying communications to improve local people’s awareness about sustainable tourism development, with residents in areas around eco-tourist sites such as Cam Thanh, Cham islands and Tra Nhieu, for example, being trained on how to properly receive and serve tourists.

The province is developing community eco-tourism in Tra Nhieu village, Duy Xuyen district, tours to the Bay Mau coconut forest in Hoi An, the Loc Yen eco-village in Tien Phuoc district, adventure tourism and tours to Bhoong village in Dong Giang district.

Quang Nam is home to such must-see destinations as Hoi An, the Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve, My Son sanctuary, Tay Vien hot mineral stream, and coastal areas in the city of Tam Ky.-VNA