(VOVworld) -  The National Tourism Year 2017, themed "Northwest Colors", opened in Lao Cai City in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai on Saturday.

An arts performance at the opening ceremony of National Tourism Year 2017.

Nguyen Van Binh, Director of the Northwestern region’s steering committee, said the National Tourism Year will honor the national cultural values and promote to the world the image of Vietnam and the northwestern region which has great potential in tourism development, an imposing landscape, and an abundant ecosystem, as well as is the home of more than 30 ethnic minority groups with diverse cultures and festivals.

The special arts program involves 600 artists of professional and amateur arts troupes nationwide.

Binh praised the tourism development of Lao Cai and other northwestern provinces and called on central and provincial administrations to create better conditions for the hospitality industry to grow.

“The event is the start of practical activities to realize the goal to turn tourism into an economic spearhead of the national economy. With joint efforts by the administrations at all levels, the business community, and people, I believe that the tourism of the northwestern region and Vietnam will gain breakthroughs this year,” said Binh.