At the military parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory

B: In his email to VOV’s English Service, Diego Echeverri of Colombia shared that he has been listening to VOV for 18 years. VOV has become his reliable friend and he wishes to visit Vietnam, VOV, and VOV’s presenters.

A: Thank you, Diego, for having tuned in to VOV for such a long time. We hope to welcome you to Hanoi soon.

B: Igor Kolke of Russia wrote: “Today I resumed listening to your shortwave radio program. I heard stories about Vietnam’s celebration of the 49th anniversary of southern liberation and national reunification on April 30. I would like to send my most sincere congratulations to the Vietnamese people on the anniversary of this important historical event. May your country continue to develop in unity and harmony for the benefit of every citizen.”

A: Thank you, Mr. Kolke, for your greetings. Among major Vietnamese celebrations in 2024 are the celebrations of the 94th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 49th anniversary of southern liberation and national reunification on April 30, the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the 79th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day and the 70th anniversary of Hanoi Liberation.

B: On these occasions, many activities are being held highlighting Vietnam’s heroic history, tradition, and achievements over the past years.

At the military parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory

A: Over the past days, we broadcast multiple stories highlighting the historic significance of the Dien Bien Phu Victory May 7, 70 years ago, with the Vietnamese defeating the French colonialists. This great victory was a decisive blow and an historic turning point that completely changed the situation of endless war in Indochina. The victory led directly to the signing of the Geneva Agreement on ending the war and restoring peace throughout the region. This victory created conditions and willpower for the Vietnamese people to win the war of resistance against the United States, liberate the South, and finally reunify the country.

At the military parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory

A: French historian Alain Ruscio said the Dien Bien Phu victory was a successful combination of patriotism and love of the Vietnamese people under the wise leadership of President Ho Chi Minh.

“Dien Bien Phu was an important event in Vietnamese history. This victory was the result of a difficult battle. Beginning as a struggle of General Vo Nguyen Giap’s army, the course of the war changed toward the "people's struggle". It was no longer a war of soldiers only, but of the consensus, sacrifice, and determination of the whole nation,” said Alain Ruscio.  

At the military parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory

B: Reda El Taify, Egyptian Ambassador to Vietnam in the 2010-2014 tenure, said the Dien Bien Phu campaign was one of the most famous battles in history.

“It can be said that the Dien Bien Phu was one of the most important battles in world history, on a par with Waterloo, Pearl Harbor, the Normandy campaign, the tank battle at Kursk, the attack on Berlin in World War II, and the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The Dien Bien Phu victory ended French colonial rule not just in Vietnam but in Asia,” said Reda El Taify. 

B: In his correspondence to VOV this week, José Ignacio Cos Lezama of Spain highlighted Ha Giang’s efforts to develop its tourism trademark.

A: Writing to VOV this week, Bernhard Henze of Germany praised the updates of the programs and on the web, saying the VOVWorld website has a lot of lively, beautiful illustrations.

B: This week, Sok Kim Heng, of Cambodia asked about the potential to develop Halal tourism in Vietnam.

A: Vietnam’s tourism sector is working hard to attract more Halal tourists from Muslim countries which is becoming a greater potential market for the global tourism industry.

Quang Ninh holds a seminar on measures to exploit Halal tourism. (photo: VOV)

B: According to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), the Halal tourism market is quite promising, with a growing demand from the 2.1 billion Muslims worldwide, constituting about 23% of the global population.

A: Statistics from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism show that the number of tourists from Muslim countries visiting Vietnam has increased remarkably in recent years, especially travelers from India.

B: VNAT Vice Chairman Ha Van Sieu said the Halal market offers promising opportunities for Vietnam’s tourism industry and could become a ‘gold mine’ that could provide a significant boost to the sector.

A: Since 2022, many conferences to promote investment in tourism have been organized in the Middle East region and South Asia, including those on Halal tourism, which discussed solutions to lure more Muslim travelers to Vietnam.

B: Some localities such as Quang Ninh, Da Nang, Quang Nam and Kien Giang have planned to welcome Muslim tourists from potential markets such as India, Malaysia, and Singapore.

A room for Muslim tourists at Delasea Ha Long Hotel (photo: VOV)

A: Quang Ninh Province in particular has made great efforts to promote Halal tourism. For example, Delasea Ha Long in Quang Ninh Province is currently the only 5‑star hotel in Quang Ninh qualified to welcome Muslim guests. It has reserved 2 floors for private living space with completely separate kitchen areas. 36 rooms have been renovated and decorated according to Halal tourism standards.

B: All rooms for Halal guests have carpets and prayer dresses for women. There are separate corners of worship and a community prayer room. These are the key requirements that the Muslims seek in their accommodation when traveling.

Muslim experts from Malaysia introduce Halal food. (photo: VOV)

A: Lê Thanh Tam, Director of Delasea Ha Long Hotel said, they have consulted with experts on culture, religion, and cuisine to prepare for Halal tourism.

Tam said: “We invited Muslim experts from Malaysia to train our staff. We have a Palestinian chef and a Halal food expert to teach cooking and serving according to Halal standards.”

B: Quang Ninh’s Tourism Department has organized meetings with Halal experts, the National Administration of Tourism, and travel agencies to discuss measures to meet Muslim travel needs.

A: Tran Van Tan Cuong, Director of Halal Company, said: “Quang Ninh has met a lot of Halal conditions but it’s necessary to build accommodations and restaurants with Halal certificates to suit Muslim etiquette. When traveling, Muslim people care mostly about food, then the accommodations and services. If the accommodation has a community prayer room, it is a very good point to satisfy its guests.”

B: The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism said the pattern of foreign tourists coming to Vietnam has recently changed, especially Muslim tourists. Experts have forecast that Halal tourism will prosper next year.

Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, said: “Vietnam’s tourism sector has worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to organize a meeting with the heads of Vietnam’s offices and the ambassadors of Muslim countries in Vietnam to discuss measures to boost cooperation with bilateral tourism. Tourism businesses can approach the needs and desires of the Muslims in order to build products and services and improve facilities to welcome tourists.”

A: Vietnam has been ranked among the world’s top destinations serving different types of tourists. We hope to welcome you in Vietnam soon.

A: And that’s all we have for today. Thank you all for tuning in to VOV and sending us your feedback. We will answer your questions and feature topics you have suggested in later shows. We always look forward to your correspondence. Goodbye.