The event was co-organised by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the Quang Nam provincial People’s Committee and the Quang Nam Tourism Department to welcome the 4^th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting.

The event is of great significance for Vietnam’s tourist industry as it aims to introduce to APEC delegates to Vietnam’s potential in tourism and opportunities for investment and cooperation. It also acted as an advertisement for the land and people of Vietnam, according to the VNAT.

The festival began with the opening of the Tourism Promotion Fair which drew the participation of local tourism sectors from around the country, as well as businesses operating in tourism and services, and traditional trade villages. It was followed by an art show “Hoi An - A Night of Cultural Harmony” with plenty of traditional cultural and art activities from provinces across the country.

Delegates, travellers, and local people also enjoyed the Winter Fashion Show of Hoi An in the old days and the impression collections of Winter Fashion for tourists shown by Thu Thuy Co. Ltd and Yaly Fashion Co. Ltd. The guests were then allowed to enjoy Hoi An Legendary Night at a wonderful location of the real old town lit up by colourful lanterns and other interesting traditional cultural activities.

During the three-day festival, a number of sightseeing tours to special and effective tourism models in Hoi An will be held for the guests. A seminar called “Linkage for Tourism Development” with the participation of national and international lecturers, experts, managers, and businesses in tourism and services will also be held during the festival.