The 15 millionth international guest was James Kopenec from the United States.
Annita De Vriesere from Belgium and Masahiko Nagishi from Japan were tourists 14,999,999 and 15,000,001 and were gifted medals.
The lucky guests are visitors to Ha Long Bay on the five-star cruise liner Celebrity Millennium.
At the ceremony, James Kopenec said that Vietnam is very beautiful and he felt very lucky to be here.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien noted that the ceremony to welcome the 15 millionth foreign tourist marked the results of the tourism sector’s efforts, while affirming that Vietnam is an attractive, friendly and safe destination.
The event was also a premise to develop tourism into a spearhead economic sector of the country, he added.
According to Chairman of Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee, Nguyen Duc Long, with the successful organisation of numerous important tourism events, the number of visitors travelling to the province in 2018 saw an impressive increase compared to the previous year.
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Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien presents flowers to crew members and tourists on the cruise ship Celebrity Millennium. (Photo: baoquangninh.com.vn)
