(VOVworld) -  The 2016 National Tourism Year-Phu Quoc Island-the Mekong Delta, themed “Discovering the Southern Land”, opened on Phu Quoc island, Kien Giang province, on Sunday.

A performance at the opening ceremony of the tourism year. (Photo: VNA)

In his opening speech, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said a top priority is creating a favorable investment environment for tourism infrastructure development.

He said the national tourism year is a typical cultural, economic and social event to promote Kien Giang’s tourism potential and increase investment and tourist attraction.

Mr. Dam called on Kien Giang to develop tourism in line with preserving sea and island resources and turn them into tourist products of which Phu Quoc will become a national and international hub.   

He said: “We should learn from other countries’ successful models and each of us should focus on these two things – cleanliness and hospitality. Everything must be kept clean. All of our speech, gestures, manners, looks, and smiles should reflect hospitality and respect for visitors.”  

An art performance combining traditional and modern art forms created a panorama of the Mekong Delta region, which is on its way to strong development.

A fireworks display highlighted the opening ceremony of National Tourism Year 2016.