Four-millionth tourist to Vietnam

(07 December 2007)

Vietnam has welcomed its four-millionth visitor of 2007, reaching its annual target ahead of time.

The tourist was greeted with flowers by women wearing au dai dresses and conical hats as he landed in Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport.

The country is trying to establish itself as a leading destination in southeast Asia, investing in its airline capacity and building new hotels and resorts.

In 1990, Vietnam received 250,000 international visitors. It aims to attract 10 million a year by 2010, taking the tourism industry's worth to US£4.5 billion.