According to Tran Nhat Hoang, Director of the ministry's Sports, Culture and Tourism Promotion Centre, the deadline for the file submission is October 31. However, by now they have documents from only five candidates including actress Lan Phuong, model Huynh Thi Ngoc Han, teacher Do Thi Hong Thuan, Miss Southeast Asia Dieu Han and Miss Asia US 2012 first runner-up Chau Mong Nhu.
Early this year, Vietnam’s Tourism Ambassador in the 2011-2012 Ly Nha Ky gave up her running to become the country’s tourism ambassador.
Meanwhile, an official from the ministry said nearly 90% of votes supported Ly Nha Ky to become the tourism ambassador in the term 2013-1014.
In a heartfelt letter sent to the ministry, Ky said that her health had been poor and that during her term she suffered numerous slanderous remarks against her, her family and relatives. Mixed public opinion regarding her position had upset Ky’s mother and hurt other family members, prompting her decision to withdraw from the race.
After that, the ministry decided to extend the deadline for other nominations until the end of October this year.
Among the five current candidates, Actress Lan Phuong is said to be the most promising as she is fluent in English and have participated in many big international events.
The ministry will announce the official tourism ambassador for the 2013-2014 term in November.
