Vietnam has new tourism slogan, symbol

After much deliberation, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) decided to select the slogan “Vietnam-Timeless Charm” and a five petal Lotus as a symbol, to promote tourism in Vietnam for the period 2012-2015.

The slogan “Vietnam-Timeless Charm” will replace the existing “Vietnam-Hidden Charm” slogan, created for the period 2005-2011.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the Lotus represents the national traditions and beauty of the Vietnamese people, their spirit and motherland.  The five petal Lotus symbol will imply momentum and energy of the Vietnamese people and their land, besides also depicting charm and beauty.

Oriental philosophy believes the number 5 to be a lucky number, meaning prosperity.

VNAT said on afternoon of Dec. 27 in Hanoi that the new slogan and symbol had been approved by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for use in the national tourism promotional program, to run from 2012 to 2015.

VNAT said that the tourism sector needs to be highlighted to help the country overcome the present economic challenges. This year, the tourism sector has attracted 6 million international tourists and served 30 million domestic tourists, earning a net 130 trillion VND.

The sector has set goals for 2012 to receive at least 6.5 million foreign visitors, an 8.3 percent increase compared to 2011, and serve 32 million domestic tourists, a 6.67 percent increase, earning 150 trillion VND in 2012.

On this occasion the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also announced 10 events that received recognition and honor in 2011.

Cultural events included UNESCO recognition of the Ho Dynasty Citadel as a world cultural heritage site; and Xoan Singing as an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent protection.

Also noted were the exhibition and display of traditional costumes of all Vietnamese ethnic groups; the 100^th founding anniversary of the Hanoi Grand Opera House; and the 1st International Tea Festival in Thai Nguyen Province.

Sports events included Vietnam winning 288 medals (96 gold, 92 silver, 100 bronze) at the 26^th SEA Games, which ranked the country third in the event; gymnast Phan Thị Ha Thanh bagging a bronze medal at the International Aerobics Championship in Japan and qualifying for the London Olympics 2012; and swimmer Hoang Quy Phuoc receiving two gold medals at the 26^th SEA Games, breaking the Southeast Asian record in the 100m-butterfly event and qualifying him for the London Olympics 2012.

Tourism events included Hạ Long Bay being recognized as one of the seven wonders of nature in the world; and Vietnam receiving its sixth million international visitor.