(VNF) - A programme with the theme of “Hanoi – the cradle of cultural heritage” has been held in Paris on September 20^th to introduce Hanoi’s and Vietnam’s cultural essence as well as recent tourism policies.

In the framework of the International French Travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa (Sep. 21^st – 23^rd), VNAT and Ha Noi Tourism Department, Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France, Viet Nam Tourism Association and tourism enterprises jointly organized various cultural and tourism promotion activities to introduce to the international audience the quality, safety and hospitality of Viet Nam tourism environment.

The event began with a screening of a video on the beauty of Vietnam and its people, followed by performances of Quan Ho folk singing and traditional musical instruments such as "sao truc" (bamboo flute) and "dan bau" (monochord of Vietnam).

Performance at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Nguyen Ngoc Son highlighted the position and importance of the tourism sector in Vietnam’s economy. The sector attracted eight million tourists in 2015 and targets to welcome 11 million visitors by 2020, making up seven per cent of the country’s gross domestic product.

He said Vietnam’s efforts in recent years, including the 15-day visa exemption policy and the use of A350 plane on the Hanoi/HCM City-Paris route, made it more convenient for tourists to visit Vietnam.

Do Dinh Hong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said culture tourism is typical products of the capital city’s tourism sector thanks to Hanoi’s rich history, 5,820 global, national and city-level relic sites.

Didier Cour, Director of France’s Terre d’aventure travel company, highly appreciated Vietnam’s visa exemption policy and praised the country as a wonderful culture and cuisine destination.

With advantages in natural landscapes, rich culture, local people’s hospitality and a persity of ethnic groups, Vietnam promises to be a destination of the future in the global tourism picture.