The number of foreign arrivals in Hanoi rose a moderate 5 percent,reaching nearly 1.4 million in the first five months of this year,according to the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Domestic arrivals hit 6.7 million, up a mere 2 percent year-on-year.

The visitor number increase in Hanoi is equivalent to the level recorded by the southern metropolis Ho Chi Minh City.

In early May, the department submitted a report to the cityauthorities about the progress of a project turning Ba Vi – Suoi Haiarea into a national tourism park by 2020. The department also conductedseveral activities to promote the world’s intangible cultural heritageGiong festival abroad while offering training in tourism to communitiesin the two outlying districts of Soc Son and Gia Lam where the festivaltakes place.

The department is working on a Hanoitourist product development strategy for 2016-2020, while preparing forthe Hanoi cultural days to be held in Japan’s Fukuoka city in the nearfuture.

To create a safe and friendly environment,the municipal tourism sector will partner with agencies concerned tocrack down on thief and scam targeting tourists.

Training on guest reception and tour guide skills in craft villages,especially in outlying districts will be made available.-VNA