Vietnam promotes maritime tourism

NHA TRANG, VIETNAM,16 July 2012: Vietnam intends to host an international tourism fair to promote its maritime tourism, possibly as early as mid-2012 in Nha Trang City in Khan Hao province, local news reported last week.

The Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism is now at the final stages of approval for the first International Tourism Fair of Vietnam Sea 2013, with provisional dates set for 6 to 8 June. It will cost of VND15 billion to host.

The aim is to attract domestic and foreign enterprises for B2B networking sessions,while there will be seminars on marketing for maritime tourism on the sidelines.

According to the report, the fair will have 250 booths, but there was no details given on what kind of companies would rent the space. It is understood that 30% of the booths would be allocated for foreign tourist organisations and travel firms.

Survey trips for travel agencies and media will organised to Khanh Hao province and other coastal localities.

The report quoted the Institute for Tourism Development Research under the Vietnam National Tourism Administration that identified a substantial potential to develop maritime tourism. The country has over 3,000 km of coast and numerous beautiful seaside resorts.

The famous beach destinations in Vietnam are Non Nuoc in Danang (voted among the six most charming beaches in the world in 2005 by Forbes Magazine), Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province (recently voted one of the world’s seven wonders), Nha Trang Bay in Khanh Hoa and Lang Co Bay in Thua Thien Hue.

Nha Trang is the capital city of Khanh Hoa province, in southwest Vietnam. The city is famous for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving. The place was a site for many international events such as Miss Universe 2008 and Miss Earth 2010. The nearest airport is Cam Ranh International Airport, 30 km from the city. There are no international flights.