Solutions should be taken to turn tourism into spearhead sector

Hanoi (VNA) – Low tourism infrastructure and international door opening compared to regional countries are attributed to the competitiveness rankings of Vietnam’s tourism which is now only 67 among the 136 economies worldwide.

At the question-and-answer session with Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien during the 14th National Assembly’s 7th session, shortcomings and solutions of the industry to make it the country’s key economic sector drew deputies’ concern.

Low tourism competitiveness

Deputy Nguyen Quoc Hung from Hanoi said the Vietnam tourism’s competitiveness ranking is low in the region and the world although there is huge potential for the industry’s development. He asked the Minister to take breakthrough solutions to improve the competitive rankings of Vietnam’s tourism, which now ranks 67 among the 136 economies worldwide.

In his reply, Minister Thien attributed this to limited indicators of tourism infrastructure, priority for tourism, international integration and visa competitiveness of Vietnam compared to other ASEAN countries.

According to the Minister, after three years of fast growth, the industry’s growth rate has slowed in the first months of this year. The industry basically fulfilled the Politburo-set plan of making it a key economic sector.

Deputy Nguyen Van Quyen from Can Tho asked about radical and breakthrough measures to turn tourism into one of the spearhead economic sectors of Vietnam, in the context that the sector makes up only nearly 10 percent of the national GDP; and those to resolve conflicts between the goal of developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector and the need to preserve national identities.

Minister Thien said Vietnam strives to make tourism a key economic sector and the country aims to receive between 17 and 20 million international visitors and serve 85 million domestic tourists by 2020, making up about 10 percent of the national GDP.

Granting international travel licence

Deputy Chau Quynh Giao from Kien Giang province mentioned the case of 152 Vietnamese tourists missing in Taiwan (China). The case has negatively impacted on the image of Vietnam. Who are responsible for the case and what are measures to handle the issue?

Minister Thien took responsibility, saying that “to let the case occurs, the responsibility is taken by State management agencies and localities.”

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien

According to the Minister, violations of enterprises in the case are very clear. The ministry will strengthen the management of travel agencies and will be more prudent in granting international travel licences to companies. Minister Thien recommended that travellers choose competent travel companies when travelling.

Clarifying spiritual tourism concept

Deputy Nguyen Mai Bo from An Giang province said that in Report No. 126 dated June 3 of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism does not recognise the concept of spiritual tourism and asked the Minister for giving his view on the commercialisation in building some spiritual works. Are there any officials contribute shares to the construction of the pagodas to make a profit after the projects are put into operation?

Minister Thien said that taking advantage of beliefs and spirit to make profits and to profit from superstition in some places is a violation of the law, and the activities must be condemned and handled in accordance to law.

Thien also said there was no information regarding the contribution of officials to build spiritual tourism facilities as deputy Nguyen Mai Bo mentioned.

He asked deputy Bo to provide evidence if he has to handle in accordance to law.

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan took the opportunity  to ask deputies to take responsibility for their questions raised at the session, while suggesting they provide information, if they have, for the National Assembly to supervise and State management agencies to examine check./.