HÀ NỘI — The Guide Awards 2019, which gathered representatives from leading hotels, resorts and tourist enterprises, has emphasized the significant contribution made by the private sector in national tourism development.

Head of the Việt Nam National Administration of Tourism Nguyễn Trùng Khánh delivers his speech at The Guide Awards 2019. — Photo courtesy of The Guide

In a speech delivered at the ceremony last week at the Flamingo Đại Lải Resort in Vĩnh Phúc Province, head of the Việt Nam National Administration of Tourism Nguyễn Trùng Khánh said that the private business sector had developed rapidly, proving itself one of the key segments for Việt Nam’s economy.

“Investment in this sector in 2018 increased 18.5 per cent in comparison with the previous year, accounting for 43.4 per cent of total social investment.

In the first eight months of 2019, Việt Nam received more than 11 million tourists, an increase of 8.7 per cent compared to the same period last year. The number of domestic tourists hit 59.7 million and total revenue from domestic tourists reached VNĐ442.2 trillion (US$19.06 billion), increasing 9.6 per cent year on year, Khánh said.

The tourism sector had been earmarked as key to domestic growth, he added.

“To transform Việt Nam into tourism magnet, the Government, authorities and companies have put in a lot of effort over the years,” he said.

The Top 10 The Guide Awards 2019 included Vinperal, FLC Luxury Resort, Flamingo Đại Lải Resort, JW Marriott Hanoi Hotel, and MerPerle Hon Tam Resort. The list also featured The Recerie Saigon Hotel, Lotte Hotel Hanoi, Paradise Cruises, Azerai La Residence Hue Hotel, and the chain of Ashima Hotpot restaurants.

Participants take part in a discussion on the theme ‘Việt Nam’s Tourism Sector – Capacity to Leapflog from the Efforts of Private Sector’. — Photo courtesy of The Guide

The event also included a discussion on the theme ‘Việt Nam’s Tourism Sector – Capacity to Leapflog from the Efforts of Private Sector’ with the participation of economist Trần Đình Thiên, Deputy Chairwoman of the Vĩnh Phúc Provincial People’s Committee Vũ Thị Thu Thủy, and representatives from hospitality and tourism enterprises including FLC Group, Lux Group, Flamingo Holding Group and Paradise Group.

Organised by The Guide magazine, the annual awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of enterprises, organisations and individuals in Việt Nam to the country’s tourism sector. — VNS