(VOVworld) -  A group of 24 German tourists visited the ancient town of Hoi An on the first day of the new year.

A welcoming ceremony was held at Cau Bridge in the town’s center. Truong Van Bay, Vice Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee said: “We have regularly encouraged local people to treat tourists in a hospitable and friendly manner. We have established relations with many other cities in the world to promote cultural exchanges and tourism.”

Hoi An welcomed 1.6 million visitors in 2013, a year-on-year increase of 18%.