Co To island in northern Quang Ninh province (Photo: VNA)




HCM City (VNA) – Vietnam welcomed more
than 39,500 Italian tourists in the first eight months of 2017, with more
Italian tourists expected, according to the Vietnam National Administration of
Tourism.



Speaking at a workshop held in Ho Chi Minh City
on September 7 as part of the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2017,
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien said the number of
Italian visitors to Vietnam has grown annually by 13-18 percent in recent
years.



The event allows Vietnamese and Italian travel
companies to explore tourism cooperation and popularise their products, he
said.



Italian Undersecretary of State for Cultural
Heritage and Tourism Dorina Bianchi said though the number of Italian visitors
to Vietnam is not big, her country’s people are interested in new emerging
destinations, including Vietnam.



Vietnam’s nature advantages and delicious food will
attract tourists, she said, adding that enhancing bilateral tourism
cooperation, including the launch of a direct air route between Vietnam and
Italy, will help optimise potential in the field.



Additionally, if visa exemptions for Italian
holidaymakers are extended to more than 15 days, it could help promote tourism
growth, she noted.-VNA