Vietnam’s first comprehensive annual report on tourism is expected to be published this September, supporting the planning of investors and state management agencies with close ties to the sector.

A workshop gathering comments ahead of the report’s release was held in Hanoi on May 22, with technical support from the European Union-funded project on responsible tourism.

David McEwen, the project’s tourist statistician, presented a proposal on the 2013 report, covering assessments on tourism performance last year and tourism growth in the world, ASEAN countries and Vietnam.

When published, the report will include Vietnam’s marketing strategy, achievements and the contributions of tourism to the country’s economy.

The report also raises issues relating to planning, investment and regulations for the tourism sector.

The event drew the attention from concerned agencies, including the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, General Statistics Office, State Bank of Vietnam and Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.-VNA