Even though international tourist organisations have expressed their appreciation of Vietnam’s tourism industry there are still many factors that need addressing.

The tourism sector brings in huge economic gains. However, Vietnam tourism is still disjointed, according to Vietnam travel agencies, in a discussion held in Ho Chi Minh City on February 23 under the theme “Building an image for Vietnam’s tourism”.

The nation’s tourism industry must combine all activities of the sector with each other, said journalist Dinh Phong, former chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Journalists’ Association.

Director General of Saigon Tourist forecasts that Vietnam’s tourism will not see much change in the next five years.

The national tourism sector should develop in parallel with eco-tourism to protect the environment while still keeping the traditional character. Local authorities have not yet seen a close and effective connection. Overcharging also occurs everywhere and influences tourism development, added Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, Nguyen Huu Tho.
International travellers in HCMC .

Director of Lua Viet Travel Company, Nguyen Van My, who has spent many years in the tourism industry, and is very good at guiding and teaching, complained that tourist training programmes in schools are not effective. Schools should focus on developing tours and producing tourist products.

He said that the sector is offering services and products that visitors may not need or like.

Regulations for granting tour guide certificates are cumbersome. Mr. My gave an example, Vietnam sees a large number of Cambodian tourists, but the country does not have any tour guide who can speak Cambodian. Many Thai tour guides have learnt Vietnamese to receive travellers from Vietnam. ASEAN countries have tourism offices in Vietnam, but the country does not have a representative office abroad.

Tourism laws should be corrected soon to be suitable for new changes and conditions. The industry needs appropriate policies to make an effective breakthrough, said Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, Nguyen Huu Tho.