The number of international arrivals to Hanoi reached nearly 1.9 million in 2011, a year-on-year increase of 11 percent, according to the capital city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

About 1.4 million visitors stayed in the capital city, up 15 percent over last year, most coming from China (309,000), Australia (109,000), Japan (115,000) and the Republic of Korea (53,000).

Hanoi also welcomed 11.66 million domestic tourists in 2011, up 10 percent compared to the previous year.

This is thanks to the Hanoi tourism promotion campaign that has introduced its new products and services to international friends. In addition, more direct air routes have been launched to connect Hanoi to many cities around the world.

The city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is drawing up plans to boost tourism development in craft villages and cultural heritage sites and promote tours to places of interest in Lao Cai, Quang Ninh and Ninh Binh provinces. (Source: VOV)