The declaration will be presented to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting slated for November in Hanoi. Tourism is seen by APEC leaders as one of the key priority fields for cooperation.

A success achieved by Vietnam at the meeting in the World Heritage-listed town of Quang Nam Province was to put in the declaration its initiative of organizing an annual APEC tourism fair and an APEC tourism cooperation and investment forum and building direct air links between World Heritage sites in APEC member economies.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem of the host country described the meeting themed “Promoting APEC Tourism Cooperation for Common Prosperity” as an event of great importance in Vietnam APEC Year 2006.

He added Vietnam regarded tourism as a spearhead economic sector and committed to actively cooperating with other APEC member economies for tourism development.

He called on international organizations, especially APEC member economies, to enhance cooperation and assistance to Vietnam’s tourism sector.

Chairperson of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Vo Thi Thang said world tourism was being challenged by terrorism, epidemics and natural disasters, so APEC member economies would need to further cooperation in it.

In a related development, APEC Vietnam 2006 Tourism Festival started in Hoi An on Monday as part of the activities to celebrate the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting.

The event, held by VNAT, Quang Nam Province and the Quang Nam Tourism Department, is of great significance for the local tourism industry, introducing to APEC delegates the country’s potentials in tourism investment and cooperation.

The festival started with the opening of the Tourism Promotion Fair, followed by an art show “Hoi An – A Night of Cultural Harmony” with plenty of traditional cultural and art activities from provinces across the country.

Delegates, travelers, and local people also enjoyed the Winter Fashion Show of Hoi An in the old days and the impression collections of Winter Fashion for tourists shown by Thu Thuy Co. Ltd and Yaly Fashion Co. Ltd.

During the three-day festival, a number of sightseeing tours in Hoi An will be held for the guests.

Source : Saigontimes Daily