(VOVworld) – Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has praised the efforts by tourism sector to make the National Tourism Year 2016 a success with an increase of 18.6% in revenue and 26% in foreign visitors. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the “National Tourism Year 2016: Phu Quoc - Mekong River Delta” in Phu Quoc island, Kien Giang province, Deputy PM Dam said he hopes that National Tourism Year 2017 to be hosted by Lao Cai will give momentum to Vietnam’s tourism industry.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam hands over the flag to Lao Cai province which will host the National Tourism Year 2017

On Sunday, Vietnam welcomed the 10millionth foreign visitor, Mr. Michael Tonge from the UK, at Phu Quoc international airport. This year, the number of foreign tourists increased by 2 million compared with last year. The sector served 62 million domestic tourists and earned total revenues of 18 billion USD. Vietnam aims to lure 11.5 million international tourists, serve 66 million domestic visitors, and earn 20 billion USD in revenue next year.