A tourism promotion event, titled "A Soulful Vietnam”, opened in the northern Italian city of Milan on October 3, with dozens of travel agencies in attendance.
As part of a programme organised by the Vietnam National
Administration of Tourism to promote Vietnam tourism in Western Europe, the
event introduced Vietnam’s tourism products and support policies. Popular
destinations, including Ha Long Bay, Hue imperial citadel, Hoi An ancient town
and Phong Nha – Ke Bang cave system were presented alongside Vietnam’s culture
and cuisine.

Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province (Photo: VNA)
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Cao Chinh
Thien said effective tourism development benefits companies, people and the
economy of a country.
The diplomat pledged the embassy’s support to enhance Vietnam – Italy tourism
cooperation.
The number of European tourists to Vietnam last year reached about 13 million,
accounting for 15 percent of total foreign visitors to the nation. The figure
for Italian tourists was 58,000, up 13.2 percent year on year.
The Vietnamese Government has decided to extend its visa exemption policy for
citizens of five Western Europe countries – the UK, France, Germany, Italy and
Spain - from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020.
Source: VNA
With its pristine landscapes, unique cultural heritage of Muong ethnic minority, and an expanding range of visitor experiences, Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh has fast become a captivating destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Until now, Sung village in Cao Son commune, Da Bac district remains the only Dao ethnic community in Hoa Binh province to develop a community-based tourism model. Beyond its untouched natural landscapes, cultural identity serves as the cornerstone attraction for visitors.
Alongside the diverse cultural identities of the Kinh, Muong, Tay, Thai, Dao, and Mong ethnic people, Hoa Binh province is also renowned as the "capital" of the northwestern Vietnamese cuisine, offering unique and distinctive dishes. At festivals, during Lunar New Year (Tet), or on significant family or community occasions, special dishes are prepared, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
A Phong Linh (Yellow Tabebuia) flower garden in Thang village, Thach Yen commune, Cao Phong district is currently in full bloom, drawing a large number of visitors.
Community-based tourism has been thriving in Pa Co commune, Mai Chau district thanks to advantages in natural landscape and cultural identity.
Doan Ket commune of Yen Thuy district has recently held a ceremony to receive a certificate recognising Ta communal house as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic site.