During the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, the number of visitors to tourist attractions increased sharply.

According to Lam Dong people's committee, from Feb 2-7 the province attracted 185,000 arrivals including 10,000 oversea visitors, increasing by 15 % over last year's period.

The Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said during 8 days of Tet holiday the province welcomed over 280,000 arrivals including 55,000 foreign visitors, up 3 percent over the same period last year.

Visitors to Quang Ninh had a chance to enjoy a grand party at Hoang Gia International Park, Bai Chay, Ha Long City on New Year’s Eve. Furthermore, traditional Vietnamese Tet foods like banh chung (sticky rice cake), gio cha (pork pie) and hanh muoi (pickled onions) as well as performances of traditional music were also introduced to tourists.

In Jan 2011, Quang Ninh attracted 270,000 visitors including 167,000 foreign tourists. Total turnover was VND 260 billions, increasing by 20 % over the same period of 2010.

Meanwhile, thanks to warm weather, Phu Tho province also received over 30,000 visitors to Hung Kings temple on the Lunar New Year's Eve.

Director of Hung Kings Temple historical site, Mr Nguyen Tien Khoi said visiting Hung Kings Temple, tourists have a chance to express their gratitude to their ancestors.

Hung King's temple is a special place, rich in history, culture, beliefs and traditions. Therefore, the Hung Kings Temple Festival was held annually (from the first to the tenth day of the third lunar month) also becoming a symbol of national unity and spirit (national festival).

On Tet holiday, Ho Chi Minh City greeted over 75,000 domestic tourists increasing by 20% over the same period of 2010. Since early 2011, the total turnover was VND 3,560 billions (up 15 % over last year's period) including VND 2,492 billions of turnover (up 13 % over last year's period) of Hotels and Restaurants, VND 1,068 billions (up 17 % over last year's period) of Travel service.

The nation’s leading Saigontourist offered 130 tours for 10,000 visitors, including overseas Vietnamese returning home to enjoy the Tet holiday. It also received over 9,000 foreigners on cruises.

The number of Saigontourist's visitors increased nearly 20 percent over last year’s period.

From the first to third day of Tet, Hanoi also welcomed over 1,000 visitors through its Noi Bai International Airport, most of them were from European countries and overseas Vietnamese.

Other well-known destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Binh Thuan and Ba Ria-Vung Tau are expected to attract a large number of domestic tourists for the many traditional festivals are held in the Spring throughout the country.

By Thanh Pham (TITC)