VNAT criticised for displaying photos of Chinese Leshan Giant Buddha at Vietnam’s booth
In early March, one Vietnamese booth at a travel exhibition held in Berlin was blamed for showing an image of the Chinese tourist destination, Leshan Giant Buddha. The incident immediately stirred up criticism over the carelessness of the management of the event.
Nguyen Manh Cuong, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), said at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s regular meeting for March that the agency is to blame for the incident.
“This was an unfortunate incident at an international travel fair in Germany, and came during sensitive time between Vietnam and China. VNAT will use this incident as a lesson for improving how tourism for the country is promoted both domestically and abroad,” Cuong commented.
He added that the agency’s discipline council is considering punishments for the individuals responsible. VNAT's leaders will also be held to account, with a decision that will be made as soon as possible.
The fair, which opened in Berlin on March 5, attracted the participation of more than 10,000 travel firms, hotels, airlines and cruise companies from 188 countries and territories around the world, and drew 170,000 visitors.
The Vietnamese delegation included, Vietnam Airlines as well as 26 other well-respected travel firms and hotels. VNAT had a booth comprising 142 square metres.
