HA NOI (VNS) — Representatives of foreign press and travel agencies will have the chance to explore Viet Nam's tourism locations, according to a newly released scheme by the culture ministry.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho Anh Tuan has given the go-ahead to a plan to take urgent measures in promoting tourism in key markets.

Accordingly, a campaign known as Exciting Viet Nam to promote the country as a secure, friendly and attractive destination will be organised and free holiday packages will be announced for international tourists arriving during June through September, this year.

The scheme targets travel agencies and foreign press from key and potential markets such as Japan, South Korea, Russia and India. The scheme also targets Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan, as well as international news agencies and newspapers based in Viet Nam. The tours will take "tourists" to destinations in Ha Noi, Quang Ninh, HCM City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

The culture and foreign affairs ministries also plan to jointly organise an international press conference of the same name this month.

The HCM City International Tourism Fair (ITE HCM City 2014) will be a focal event to invite international travel agencies and farm trip groups to learn more about the potential of Viet Nam's tourism. — VNS