HANOI, October 23. /TASS/. Russia has been designated as one of key markets for the tourism sphere of Vietnam for coming years, Vice-Chairwoman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai told TASS.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam is currently developing a national tourism promotion program for the next decade following a directive from the country's government, she said. Within this program, "Russia has been designated as one of the key markets for Vietnam's tourism," Nguen noted. "That is why we are now planning preparations for promotional programs and participation in major international exhibitions attended by both Vietnam and Russia, as well as in exhibitions organized by Russia. In turn, we will invite Russia to participate in tourism exhibitions hosted by Vietnam," the vice-chairwoman said.

Russia will host a major MICE [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events - TASS] tourism exhibition this December, she noted. "The National Authority of Tourism of Vietnam is organizing a national tourism pavilion and coordinating the efforts of local businesses currently preparing their booths for this exhibition. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam will dispatch a delegation to participate in the event and attend a meeting of the joint working group on tourism with the Russian Ministry of Economic Development. I believe this is an excellent opportunity to create the right conditions for stimulating further growth in bilateral tourism," Nguyen stressed.