More than 20 major travel agents from the UAE attended a seminar jointly held by the Vietnamese Embassy in the UAE, Vietnam Airlines, the Sharaf Travel Agency and Etihad Airways in the capital Abu Dhabi on July 29 to introduce Vietnam’s tourism potential.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Quang Khai highlighted the achievements Vietnam’s tourism sector has made in recent years.

He stated that, despite a drop in numbers caused by the global economic crisis, Vietnam’s tourism sector still welcomed 2.6 million foreign tourists in the first six months of this year. In the second half of the year, the country is expecting to receive 6.2-6.5 million international arrivals as it is celebrating many significant events, such as the 65th anniversary of National Day and the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

If this goal is achieved, the sector will earn US$4.5-5 billion, accounting for 20 percent of the nation’s GDP. Vietnam is striving to become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the region by 2015 and among the top ten destinations in the world.

Mr Khai said that the Vietnamese Embassy will create the best possible conditions to help UAE businesses invest more in Vietnam.