The forum was honoured with the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development Jini Cunek of the Czech Republic and Ministers of Tourism from Laos and Cambodia, in addition to the Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism of host Vietnam Hoang Tuan Anh.

The event also drew a 250-strong crowd as members of the ASEM diplomatic corps in Hanoi, senior officials in charge of tourism from the member countries and executives of the domestic hospitality industry.

Host Minister Hoang Tuan Anh made a full commitment to ASEM ties in tourism while calling for stronger cooperation and assistance from member countries.

Conservation of cultural heritages and identities, eco-environment protection, tourism contributions to rural development and poverty reduction were highlighted as long-term measures for sustainable growth in the two continents.

The World Tourism Organisation reported that Asia and Europe welcomed 828.7 million foreign arrivals in 2007, accounting for over 92 percent of the world’s total. European countries made up 53.5 percent of the world’s total with 480 million arrivals.

The Asian-Pacific region recorded the highest growth rate in the number of foreign arrivals at 10 percent against the world average of 4 percent. The rate in Vietnam reached over 17 percent.

On the sideline of the event, Czech Deputy Prime Minister Jini Cunek met with Minister Hoang Tuan Anh on bilateral ties.

Cunek highly valued Vietnam’s tourism potential and pledged to share experiences on this field, especially in environment, the most important issue in tourism development and of both the Czech Republic and Vietnam ’s concerns.

With the aim of preserving Cham culture and serving tourists and researchers, the 768 sq.m centre will be constructed with exhibition and demonstration areas showcasing weaving and pottery.

Many musical instruments and traditional dancing clothes are also being collected for display.

Construction is expected to be completed this year.

The gala night included a special art performance, a fireworks display and the release of lantern on Thi Nai Lagoon. The art programme also drew the participation of artists from the Republic of Korea and Laos.

Twenty-two boats symbolising 22 years of the renewal process were mobilised to participate in the lantern display on Thi Nai Lagoon.

Hundreds of visitors released lanterns on the lagoon in the hope that the country will make greater achievements and people will enjoy higher living standards in the coming years.

The same day, a poem recital night was held at Genh Rang Hill in Quy Nhon City. Artists presented pieces composed by late poets Han Mac Tu and Xuan Dieu who had fond memories of Binh Dinh Province.

Among those present at the ceremony were Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan and the Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, who were joined by thousands of pilgrims.

Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers and visitors offered incense to King Tran Nhan Tong, who reigned over the country from 1279 to 1293, and joined the opening prayer.

Yen Tu welcomed 150,000 visitors during the first nine days of this year’s first lunar month.

Yen Tu Mountain is located about 50km from Halong City. The route of the pilgrimage, which winds from the foot of the mountain to its highest peak, is almost 30km.

The area’s beautiful natural landscape and awe-inspiring scenery, along with the ancient pagodas and hermitages that are dotted around, are said to have been the reason that King Tran Nhan Tong passed the throne to his son so that he could devote his life to living as a Buddhist monk at Yen Tu Mountain. Whilst there, he founded the Truc Lam meditation sect, which has led to Yen Tu being recognised as the country’s leading centre for Buddhism.