HUE (VNS) - Phan Thanh Hai, director of Hue Monuments Conservation Centre said nearly 3,500 international tourists were the first visitors in Hue on the first day of 2014.

Turnover from ticket sales and other services reached VND390 million (US$18,570). The province plans to serve 2.8-3 million tourists, and receive VND2.8-2.9 trillion, up 16-18 per cent this year.

The tourism sector in the Mekong (Delta) province of Dong Thap also reported receiving more than 1.6 million visitors last year, of which 40,000 are international tourists.

The province's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it would give priority to develop ecotourism, including the cajeput forest, lotus fields and waterways in Dong Thap Muoi, as well as the Oc Eo culture.

It aims at welcoming 1.85 million visitors including 42,000 international tourists this year, having VND297 billion in tourism's turnover. — VNS