VietNamNet Bridge – The Vietnam National Tourism Administration (VNAT) missed the opportunity to advertise Vietnamese tourism to the world when "The Running Man" Vu Xuan Tien went the UK last week because it “has to find a way to promote tourism the best."

“Running Man" with the VN flag broadcast in 25 countries

"Running Man" Vu Xuan Tien at the Emirates Stadium.

The video clip featuring Vu Xuan Tien with the Vietnam flag on his back at the Emirates Stadium is considered a precious opportunity to introduce Vietnam's image to the world. Yet the tourism sector cryptically kept silent in this event.

Answering the question why the VNAT did not connect with Vu Xuan Tien to take this opportunity to promote the image of the country at the regular press conference of the Ministry of Culture - Sports and Tourism on August 6, Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, VNAT Vice Head, said that Tien’s relations with Arsenal is personal connection and his trip was very short, from August 2 to 5.

"How could State agencies connect with individuals in such a short time? With that short time it is indeed impossible to organize promotion activities," Cuong said.

Concerning many tourism products such as the dancing fairy statue, the wood dragon and other souvenirs that Tien presented to Arsenal players, which attracted the media, reporters asked Cuong why the tourism sector did not present unique products of Vietnam to famous players, through Tien, Cuong said that these products may be favored or not favored, or even hated by the receivers.

While Vietnam's image abroad is still modest, this official said: "We're still promoting Vietnam specialties abroad. At foreign fairs we have our artisans and products. About the suggestion of presenting wood dragons to Arsenal players, maybe it is not good. We must have some ways to promote tourism the best," Cuong said.

NLD