Ho Chi Minh City, the nation’s commercial and tourism hub, hopes to welcome 2.8 million foreign visitors in 2010 after posting the first decline in arrivals since 2003 this year.

Despite a decade of development, the Mekong Delta’s tourism industry has failed to show robust growth. Uninspired tourist packages, limited advertising, a lack of tourism investment promotion and poor human resources training, all plague the industry.

Hoi An Town in the central province of Quang Nam will open at night from January 2, 2010, offering tours of several sightseeing sites along with food and drink services.

Nam Hai Resort in the central province of Quang Nam has received a Quality Award from the Leading Hotels of the World Organization in Italy.

VBa Ra Mountain in Phuoc Long District, Binh Phuoc Province is an inspiring ridge that can give trekkers a fantastic overview of the natural surroundings and a relaxing feeling at an altitude of 732 meters. The mountain is honorably called Genie Mountain by local ethnic S’Tieng people.

The development of tourism at My Son heritage site will be a major motivation for socio-economic progress in Duy Xuyen District in the central province of Quang Nam in the coming years.

Danang International Firework Competition 2009 will take place in the central coastal city of Danang on March 27 and 28 with participation of Spain, Australia, China, the Philippines and the home team Vietnam. Saigontourist is offering a three-day tour to the firework festival as well as other attractions in Danang City.

Ho Chi Minh City will host a series of activities featuring Japanese culture and education that will last for a month, starting on November 10.

Considered the focal point of Vietnamese culture and Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, HCMC boasts a range of hotels in diverse styles, designs and levels. The designs and styles can be divided into two architectural types: French colonial and modern.

Vietnam’s border provinces need to pay more attention to developing their tourism sector and bring in more tourists to the country, industry insiders say.