HANOI, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam boasts vast opportunities to establish itself as a leading global cruise hub, given the fact that the country welcomed 45,000 international cruise passengers in January, marking a robust comeback, Vietnam News Agency reported Tuesday.
Saigontourist company, a Vietnamese travel management company, received five international cruise ships in early January, serving 19,800 passengers from Jan. 4 to Jan. 31, including the peak Lunar New Year period.
Nguyen Anh Tuan, director of the Institute for Tourism Development Research, said Vietnam's prime location along major maritime routes offered a significant advantage in attracting affluent international cruise travelers.
The country's tourism development strategy during the 2020-2030 period prioritizes marine and island tourism as a key driver of economic growth, he said. ■
