Vietnam to host 2009 ASEAN Tourism Forum
The 2009 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2009) and ASEAN Tourism Ministers' Meeting will take place in Ha Noi from January 5-12, 2009.
The event will include a meeting of tourism working groups with experts and senior officials of tourism agencies of ASEAN countries; a meeting between ASEAN Tourism Agencies, ASEAN and partners; ASEAN Tourism Ministers meeting, ASEAN and partners.
Besides, a tourism fair, Travex, with 450 booths showcasing the tourism industry of ASEAN countries, and a tourism conference will be held. About 1,500 people, including ministers, heads of national tourism agencies, businesspeople and reporters, are expected to attend the event. Through meetings, participants will work out a plan to implement the ASEAN Tourism Agreement, discuss orientations for cooperation, and implement the roadmap on regional integration in ASEAN towards the goal of building the ASEAN tourism community by 2019.
Vietnam - The new exciting Destination of ATF 2009
Situated on the Indochina Peninsula, with a diversity of topography, climate and thousands of years of history, Viet Nam pleases all tourists.
Striking mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, arid plateaus and dense forests are a magnet for hikers, cyclists and nature-lovers. With thousands of kilometers of fine sand beaches, rocky cliffs, coral reefs and deserted islands, water lovers have plenty to see and explore. Add the unique pinnacles of Ha Long Bay, the astonishing Mekong Delta, the classic terraces of the Northern Mountains and the ubiquitous vivid green of the rice fields, and even the most jaded visitors will recover the excitement of traveling.
Throughout the land, thousands of temples, pagodas, shrines and churches attract millions of worshippers. Wherever visitors travel in Viet Nam, relics of the past would be never far away. Hanoi's architecture, Hue's splendid Imperial Citadel, Hoi An's charming wooden buildings and Ho Chi Minh City's 'Chinatown' are obvious examples, but there are many more. In Da Nang, a unique sculpture museum pays homage to the traditions of the Cham people. In the Central Highlands, the ancient rituals of the Gong players lives on, now recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural treasure. Attractive museums document important periods of the past while symphony orchestras, opera performances, conservatories and national dance theatres rub shoulders with centuries- old performing arts such as North Vietnam's world famous water puppets. The many ethnic minority communities in the Northern Mountains and Central Highlands provide yet more insights into Vietnam's colourful and exotic society.
The Vietnamese gastronomy offers an endless variety of tasty cuisines, ranging from regular food to fine cuisines that can please the taste of the most demanding epicurean. In addition, there are thousands of restaurants offering food from the four corners of the world.
Among the multitude of attractions in Viet Nam the most fascinating is its people. Vietnamese are very peace-loving, kind, considerate, sociable and hospitable, and well known for their sense of humour.
Viet Nam is a safe and fascinating country for travellers who appreciate culture, nature, adventure and relaxation. No wonder Vietnam's slogan is 'The Hidden Charm'!
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