(VOVworld) – Despite negative impacts of the global and domestic economy last year and China’s illegal placement of its oil rig Haiyang 981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, Vietnam’s tourism sector achieved stable growth by expanding key markets and stimulating domestic demand. 2014 was also a successful year for Vietnam’s hospitality industry.

Ha Long Bay listed in the top 15 spectacular destinations in the world by BuzzFeed

The sector’s most impressive success last year was that Vietnam’s image was upgraded internationally, with Vietnamese tourist spots selected by a number of prestigious travel organizations as top travel destinations.

Ha Long Bay was listed in the top 15 spectacular destinations in the world by the popular entertainment website, BuzzFeed. Hanoi was chosen by TripAdvisor, the world's largest tourism website, as one of the most attractive tourism destinations in the world. Vietnam was ranked sixth among the 20 best destinations for safety and hospitality by Travel and Leisure magazine. American Business Insider magazine included Son Doong cave in its list of the 12 most impressive caves. The UK’s Daily Telegraph cited the Mekong River cruise from Siem Reap in Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City as one of the top five river cruises in Asia.

Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Administration of Tourism, says many Vietnamese travel agents and hotels have been honored for their qualified services. He explains further: “in 2014, Vietnam’s tourism industry maintained the continuous growths that began in 2009.This is an encouraging result reflecting the sector’s effort, particularly by businesses which have overcome numerous challenges to make practical contributions to the industry and the national development.”

At more than 200m high, 150m wide and 5km long, the Hang Son Doong cave in Vietnam is so big it has its own river, jungle and climate. Australian photographer John Spies, 59, spent a week photographing the natural wonder of the cave system. (Photo: John Spies/Barcroft Media)

The achievements are thanks to improved promotional programs presented in a more professional and qualified way. In 2014, the development of a brand for Vietnamese tourism was closely linked with a logo and the slogan ‘Vietnam-the endless beauty’ and was made a core task of the sector. The industry participated in international tourism exhibitions and trade fairs and conducted promotional activities at cultural events in a number of European and Asian countries. In Vietnam, tourism was promoted by welcoming international delegations.

These activities helped the sector create qualified tourist products and develop the hospitality industry sustainably.

Trinh Dang Thanh, Deputy Director of Quang Ninh’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, says: “it’s necessary to build on the economy, culture, and social affairs to develop tourism sustainably. It’s also essential to choose the right international advisors to work with domestic experts on master-planning and development for the tourism sector. The management of the tourism environment, prices, and social order at tourist destinations is of special importance.”

Success in 2014 will be a foundation for the Vietnamese hospitality industry to fulfill its target of receiving 8.5 million foreigners this year and handle 41 million domestic travelers.

To that end, the sector will establish key tourism areas, develop a tourism system of high quality, continue to stimulate domestic tourism demand, and promote tourism by combining the development of tourism products with the development of brands and a more prestigious national image.