Vietnam ensures the security and safety of foreign tourists visiting the country, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho Anh Tuan has confirmed.

At his working session with the northern province of Quang Ninh on June 2, the deputy minister reported that Chinese tourists have, in recent days, resumed tours to Vietnam, mainly through the border gates of the northern provinces of Lang Son, Lao Cai and Quang Ninh.

According to Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee Vu Thi Thu Thuy, on June 1, Chinese tourists travelled through the Mong Cai international border gate on tours to the province and other localities, organised by Chinese travel companies.

In 2013, the province catered for around 7.5 million visitors, including 2.6 million international guests.
In the first five months of the year, Quang Ninh greeted 1.2 million foreign visitors, of whom Chinese and Taiwanese tourists made up 38 percent.

Since early May, the East Sea tensions have triggered a sharp decrease in tourists from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, badly impacting on the locality’s tourism.

Ha Quang Long, Director of the provincial Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, said the province will explore nearby potential markets, like the Republic of Korea, Japan and ASEAN, and gradually aim to attract ones from further afield, such as Russia, Europe and North America. It will also give due attention to the local market during this summer time./.