Vietnam’s tourism sector is always willing to offer the best services and products to Russian tourists.

Head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Nguyen Van Tuan made this statement at a recent working session with Aleksei Trichkanov, Chairman of the Committee for Investment and Strategic Projects of Saint Petersburg, on the sidelines of a ceremony to introduce Vietnam’s tourism potential to the city.

The two sides introduced each country’s tourism potentials and strengths and acknowledged the potential for tourism cooperation between Vietnam’s cities and provinces and the city of Saint Petersburg.

Trichkanov said that thanks to a milder climate, a long coastline, hospitality and low-priced services, Vietnam drew the special attention of Russian visitors.

He also proposed the two relevant sides work out a plan to open a direct air-route from Vietnam to Saint Petersburg, saying that it will create favourable conditions for the two countries’ travellers.

At the ceremony, Tuan called on the two countries’ airlines and travel agencies to cooperate in offering new tourism products, helping the two peoples explore destinations of each country.

Last year, Vietnam welcomed almost 83,000 Russian visitors, up 50 percent over 2009. This year, as many as 120,000 Russian tourists are expected to come to the country./.