Vietnam fetched VND53.5 trillion (USD2.5 billion) from tourism services in the first quarter of this year, equal to third of the sector’s total revenue in 2012.

According to the statistics of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the total number of foreign tourists reached 1.8 million, mostly coming from China, the Republic of Korea and Japan, while that of domestic tourists was estimated at 12.3 million.

A report from the ministry says this was owed to the successful holding of a wide range of tourism activities in Haphong, Quang Ninh and other localities, particularly during the Lunar New Year festival.

The first Vietnam International Travel Mart will take place in Hanoi from April 18 to 21 with nearly 400 from 343 domestic and foreign businesses.