Vietnam news in brief - February 8

UN Tourism launches Best Tourism Village Awards for 2024

Tan Hoa Village in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has opened the call for applications for the "Best Tourism Villages 2024" award. In its fourth edition, applications are open until April 24, and selected villages will be announced in the third quarter. Tourism villages will be judged on nine criteria, including cultural and natural resources; promotion and conservation of cultural resources; economic, environmental and social sustainability; health, safety and security; and tourism development and value chain integrity.

In its three previous editions, UNWTO has recognized 130 villages around the world, including Tan Hoa Village in Quang Binh Province and Thai Hai Village in Thai Nguyen Province.

Dalat the most searched place for Tet vacation: Booking.com

The Central Highlands city of Dalat in Lam Dong Province is the most sought-after place for a short vacation during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday this year, according to international travel agency Booking.com. This is the third year that Dalat has topped the list, beating other popular destinations such as Nha Trang, Danang and Phan Thiet.

According to provincial authorities, the number of visitors to Da Lat during the Tet holiday is expected to increase by 30% over last year, and 65-70% of all rooms have been booked.

Vietnam needs at least US$600 billion in infrastructure investment by 2040

FiinRatings estimates that Vietnam will need at least US$25-30 billion annually for infrastructure investment over the next 10 years, amounting to nearly US$600 billion by 2040. The government aims to increase private sector participation to ease budget pressures. Despite being a key driver of growth, there are significant constraints to sustainable development, particularly the lack of long-term financing.

Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports promoted at German trade fair

A number of Vietnamese enterprises are participating in Fruit Logistica 2024, the world's largest fruit and vegetable trade fair, held at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Centre in Germany from February 7 to 9. This activity is part of  the National Trade Promotion Program 2024 led by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

This is the fourth year that Vietnamese fruit and vegetable producers, processors, and exporters have participated in Fruit Logistica, including Hoang Hau Dragon Fruit Farm Co., Ltd, ANTFARM MTV Company, Golden Bee Import-Export Company, Viet Tropical Fruit, Phuoc Hy JSC, and Natural Fruit Trading and Services Company.

Vietnam to validate Korean driver's licenses

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has approved a plan to implement the joint agreement between Vietnam and South Korea to recognize international driver's licenses in both countries. The Vietnamese government, ministries, and local authorities will make changes to regulations on driver training, traffic violation disciplines, issuance of international licenses for Vietnamese, and validation of Korean driver's licenses.

The joint agreement was signed on July 16, 2023 and took effect one week later. Both governments expect the agreement to boost bilateral relations in tourism, business and trade.