The National Tourism Year 2013 will be held under the theme of “Red River Civilisation”, the organising board announced in Ho Chi Minh City on September 13.

An array of cultural, sports and tourism activities will be organised in cities and provinces in the Red River region throughout the year.

Hai Phong city has been selected as the host venue.

Head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Van Tuan and Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee Le Khac Nam said this year’s event aims to highlight tourism destinations in the northern delta region.

It is expected to raise people’s awareness of the role and position played by tourism in the country’s socio-economic development.

This is also a chance to promote culture, land and people of Vietnam to international friends, they said.-VNA