International tourism investment promotion conference kicks off in HCM City

Representatives from four regional countries are determined to co-operate to enhance their tourism sectors in order to improve socio-economic development.

The International Tourism Investment Promotion Conference "Four Countries – One Destination" 2011 to enhance regional tourism development in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam kicked off this morning in HCM City.

Attendees included Thong Khon, Cambodia Minister of Tourism, Bosengkham Vongdala, Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Tint Hsan, Myanmar Minister of Hotels and Tourism, Hoang Tuan Anh, Viet Nam Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and HCM City chairman Le Hoang Quan.

"The conference reveals the common determination of the four countries in intensifying co-operation and attracting investment," said Hoang Tuan Anh in his opening speech.

Tourism in a crucial factor in attracting foreign currencies, creating jobs, increasing incomes, eliminating hunger and reducing poverty, he said.

Despite many advantages, the tourism sector in each of the four countries faces many difficulties, including low economic growth, a lack of synchronised tourism infrastructure and a shortage of qualified human resources, Anh said.

Last year, the four countries welcomed around 10.9 million international tourists, up 25 per cent year-on-year.

Viet Nam expects to serve 10.3 million international tourists and 47.5 million domestic tourists in 2020 with numbers rising to 18 million and 71 million respectively in 2030, Anh said.

The country would invest US$94.2 billion into developing 39 national resorts, 30 national destinations and 10 tourism cities in the near future, he said. -- VNS