Director of the Hà Nội Department of Tourism Trần Đức Hải (left) gives welcome gifts to French tourist Alain Baron and his wife. Photo courtesy of the department
HÀ NỘI — French tourist Alain Baron and his wife received a special welcome as they were among the first passengers of flight VN18 (Vietnam Airlines), which arrived at Nội Bài International Airport at 6am on January 1.
The capital city’s Department of Tourism hosted a ceremony at the airport to warmly welcome the first international tourists to the city in the new year.
It’s an important activity in promoting tourism and attracting more tourists, according to the department’s director Trần Đức Hải.
“Following the tradition of the Vietnamese people, the first guest in the new year will bring good fortune for the house they visit. The guest offers best wishes to the family, hoping for a new year full of wealth and luck. Then the house’s owner offers lucky money to say thank-you.”
“Through the ceremony, we want to leave a good impression that Hà Nội is a destination with hospitality, friendliness, attraction and safety,” he said.
Baron and his wife planned to travel throughout Việt Nam over two weeks. Hà Nội is the first stop on their itinerary.
“I feel amazed, honoured and happy to be the first guest of Hà Nội in the new year,” he said.
“As far as I know about Hà Nội, it’s a beautiful city with impressive architecture and cuisine. Today I enjoy your hospitality and friendliness.”
International tourists receive a warm welcome at Phú Bài International Airport. Photo baodansinh.vn
Departments of tourism in the central province of Thừa Thiên – Huế and HCM City also hosted ceremonies to welcome the first guests of 2020.
The first passengers arrived at Phú Bài International Airport (Huế) at 9.45am on flight VN1543 (Vietnam Airlines) and enjoyed a traditional lion dance and received gifts from the province’s leaders.
Passengers on flights JL079 (Japan Airlines) and VN2106 (Vietnam Airlines in co-ordination with Air France) arrived at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (HCM City) at 5.50am and 7.10am, respectively.
Tyler Jorgenson from the US said he loves Việt Nam. That’s the reason why he chose Việt Nam as a destination for the new year. — VNS
International tourists to HCM City on the first day of 2020 receive a warm welcome. Photo chinhphu.vn