(VOVworld)- Amid economic difficulties, travel companies in the central region have found ways to attract more tourists, especially tourists from Russia and Asian countries. Last year, tourism contributed greatly to economic growth in the central region.

Da Nang City

During the first days of this year, cruise ships carrying thousands of foreign tourists docked at Da nang port promising a good year for tourism in the central region. Last year, the central Khanh Hoa province welcomed more than 2 million visitors. Since Cam Ranh airport became the 3^rd international airport in the central region, the number of Russian visitors to Khanh Hoa has increased sharply. Nha Trang city has received about 600 tourists a day from Russia. Andrey Smirinov, Communications Director of the Anh Duong Tourism Company says approximately 100,000 Russian tourists will visit Khanh Hoa this winter. Moderate weather, beautiful beaches and hospitable people are the city’s principal attractions. “Russian tourists are impressed by the beauty of Vietnam from the moment they set foot in the country. They like the weather, especially those from Siberia and the Far East, where the weather is very cold and snowy right now. After a few hours on a plane, they can enjoy sunny weather on a beautiful beach. Early this year, we introduced several new programs aimed at increasing the number of Russian visitors to Vietnam”, said Andrey Smirinov.

Nha Trang city

The coastal city of Da Nang is one of the most attractive destinations in the central region. It promotes itself as a green city, a living city, and a venue for international events, successfully organizing an international fireworks festival, an international kite festival and a Beauty Contest last year. These events earned Da Nang 6 trillion dong in tourism revenue. The city has upgraded its infrastructure and high-end resorts to become a top destination for international travelers. Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tran Chi Cuong says the city has plans to attract even more foreign tourists. Mr. Cuong says: “The city will continue hosting major events, upgrading its tourism environment and products, helping investors launch new tourist products and building more high-end resorts. Due to difficulties in the European market, we will shift to closer markets like China, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Southeast Asian countries. We will also continue to focus on the domestic market, which we consider our main outlet.

Hue at night

Last year, Thua Thien-Hue central province organized National Tourism Year in the north central coastal region and the Hue Festival showing off its professionalism in organizing festivals and tourism events. The province welcomed 2.5 million tourists in 2012, 25% more than the previous year, earning 1.8 trillion dong. Thua Thien-Hue and neighboring provinces have developed some interesting tours for both domestic and foreign tourists. More than 10 million tourists took part in the region’s National Tourism Year proving the tourism sector’s dynamism despite economic difficulties. But the region still has a lot to do to further promote local tourism. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh says: “In 2013, the tourism sector will face many difficulties and challenges requiring joint efforts to develop the central region into the country’s main tourist center. Localities in the region need to step up cooperation in promoting and developing tourism products”.

Thanh Long- Thanh Thuy