Promoting domestic tourism has been defined a key contributor to thesector’s growth this year, heard a conference held by the VietnamNational Administration of Tourism (VNAT) on April 5.

This was also part of the Government’s Resolution 92/NQ-CP issued onDecember 2014, which aims to seek measures to address shortcomings andweaknesses facing the Vietnamese tourism for sustainable growth.

As looking to cater for 37.5 million domestic tourists this year, thesector has encouraged localities with high tourism potential tointroduce more new tourism products and commit to building a friendlyand safe environment for tourists.

Local people havebeen called to get involved in providing “home stay” services whiletravel agencies were asked to adopt promotion campaigns and collaboratewith airlines to offer discounted flight fares and tours.

Ministries were required to roll out more support policies for tourismcompanies, which are considered the decisive force for the sector’sdevelopment.

According to VNAT Director Nguyen Van Tuan, thetourism sector has yet to fully tap the country’s rich and diversenatural resources and landscapes, especially maritime and islandpotential.

Regarding the declining number of foreigntourists in recent months, he pointed to the poor competitiveness ofthe sector compared to regional peers, in terms of visa conditions, airservices, and information access.

Currently,Vietnam granted visa exemption only to visitors from the 10 ASEANcountries, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark,Northway and Finland.

A few number of directair routes was set up between Vietnam and its tourism markets andinvestments poured into tourism promotion remain inadequate, noted Tuan.

Vietnam welcomed 7.87 million foreign tourists and 38.5 domestic tourists in 2014.-VNA