The joint delegation check the food to be served to the delegates 

A joint delegation composed of the Department of Tourism, the provincial police and the local authorities recently conducted a security check to ensure a safe tourism environment in tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels which are expected to serve mission delegates when visiting Hue. Nguyen Van Phuc said that at present, the specific time and number of delegations to Hue during and after the Economic Leaders’ week have not yet been finalized. But at least 500 delegates, spouses and journalists will come to Hue. Preparation activities have anticipated many situations to ensure the best conditions, even in the case more unexpected delegates decide to come.

The planned schedule for all delegations is visiting Hue cultural heritage. Nguyen Thai Hoa, Chief Inspector of the Department of Tourism said that during the inspection, the inter-branch delegations have worked with the police of the concerned wards and requested to intensify inspection and appoint more staff to monitor and ensure the environment in the days the delegation visit Hue.

Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc said that the concern is at the bus stations  because the traffic is very crowded and is prone to traffic jams. In this regard, the bus stations will send more staff to regulate traffic to prevent disorder.

Ensuring food safety is very important for Hue when receiving the delegations. Due to the lack of time, the delegations will only have meals in Hue rather than staying overnight. For safety, the catering for the delegations is planned at top restaurants and hotels in Hue. The ingredients used must have clear origins and be controlled prior to processing. The Executive Director of a hotel said that if it is chosen to serve APEC delegations it will be an honor and an opportunity for the hotel to promote itself. The hotel is committed to thorough control of food sources. In addition, the hotel will also enhance the staff with good foreign language ability to communicate, demonstrating the professionalism of the hotel.

A representative of Hue Monuments Conservation Center said that the preparatory work will be very thorough. Nguyen Quang Huy, Deputy Director of the Commentation Department of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, said that in addition to embellishment, the center will strengthen the capacity of qualified commentators who will dress in uniforms to make a good impression.

According to recent research, over 80% of visitors to Vietnam come from 20 APEC member economies (excluding Vietnam). Hue, though not as high as the whole country, accounts for 55-60% of the market share. Therefore, welcoming the delegations to Hue tour is an opportunity to attract more visitors from markets within APEC by guaranteeing a secure and safe tourism environment, with diverse tourism products and special cultural background. Hue tourism will take advantage of opportunities to promote the image of Hue to the delegations.

"The tourism industry determines to achieve not only immediate success but also future goals through the promotion of APEC-related activities. Through a good impression of Hue, delegates will spread the word to friends and relatives after returning home. Especially through the press reporters to Hue to work and visit, the image of Hue will appear more popular, just a few articles promoted in their respective country will be extremely effective," Nguyen Van Phuc stressed.

Story and photo: Duc Quang