HANOI, December 27. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia retained its leading position by the growth in tourist influx in Vietnam, the General Statistics Office of Vietnam reported on Friday.
In 2013, Vietnam received 7.5 million foreign guests. Although Russia ranks ninth by the number of its tourists visiting Vietnam, it has been leading by the dynamics of tourist flow for the second year. The number of Russians holidaying in Vietnam increased by 70% in 2013 year and was expected to exceed 250,000 by the end of the year.
Local tour operators name Russia as one of the most promising partners in developing tourism services. According to statistics, most popular among Russians are resorts in central and southern Vietnam such as Da Nang, Na Chang, Mui ne and Phu Quoc Island.
Of late Vietnam has become one of South East Asia’s leaders by the growth rates in the tourism industry. Almost 3,000 kilometers of Vietnam’s coastline is an ideal place for seaside vacations and an exclusive opportunity for the development of the hotel and resort infrastructure.
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism hopes that in 2014 Vietnam will receive no less than 8 million tourists. Moreover, around 40 million local residents are expected to use travel services. The tourism industry’s revenue is forecast to reach no less than $10.5 billion.