Vietnam has great potential in tourism, boasting famous beauty spots, world-recognised assets of natural and cultural heritage, a unique culture and diversified tourist services.

Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Hoang Thi Diep delivered the statement at a reception held on March 10 on the sidelines of the ongoing travel trade show in Berlin (ITB Berlin).

Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Do Hoa Binh, representatives from Vietnamese tourist companies and the national flagship carrier Vietnam Airlines and international friends attended the reception.

Vietnam this year will organise a number of festivities, such as the Hue Festival 2010 and the 1,000th Anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, promising to fascinate visitors, Diep went on to say.

The annual show attracted the participation of more than 40 Vietnamese tourist companies including big names such as Vietravel, Saigontourist and Mailinhtourism.

Right on the first day, many of them had reportedly secured contracts with foreign partners.

ITB Berlin is the world’s leading travel and trade show. This year, it is luring over 11,120 tourist businesses from 187 countries and territories. At least 170,000 officials, entrepreneurs and visitors are expected to join the show./.