Vietnam tourism needs musical theatre: Minister

Vietnam’s tourism sector is missing out on great opportunities, according to the country’s tourism leaders, particularly by not having a theatre where local artists can perform traditional music programs for tourists.

Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association general secretary Ton That Hoa explained that most other Asian countries have at least 1,000 seat capacity theatres available to promote the local sound and culture, however, Vietnam is yet to build one, Saigon Daily reported.

Witnessing the potential of musical theatre, he said a space for theatre would not only promote the country’s culture, history and people but also promote tourism and keep tourists entertained.

Vietnam’s tourist companies added that the country is lagging when it comes to theatre, and fails to compare to its neighbour, Cambodia.

Operators added that the lack of musical productions and entertainment could also be the reason behind Vietnam’s mere 13 percent increase in visitors during the first nine months of 2013 year-on-year compared to Cambodia, which experienced a 25 percent rise.

Sourced: etravelblackboardasia