The central province of Quang Nam has welcomed more than 562,000 domestic and foreign visitors this year, a 26.2% year-on-year rise since last year.

Of the figure 312,000 were from foreign countries, nearly 50% more than last year.

The achievements were attributed to the sector's great efforts in promoting the province's tourist sites, including the ancient town and the My Son tower complex, both of which are UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites.

Most of the hotels built, including seven four-star, are located at the Hoi An ancient town. Three luxurious resorts have been opened in the province with a total of 302 rooms.

From now until the end of this year, the provincial tourism sector plans to provide services to about 54,000 visitors and expects revenue of VND110bil.

The number of tourists traveling to Quang Tri, another central province has also increased since the province successfully organised the Trans-Asian bridge festival in 2004.

More than 106,000 visitors, including 23,700 foreigners, arrived in Quang Tri in the first six months of this year, already two thirds of last year's total figure.

The province, home to many former battle fields such as Khe Sanh and the Quang Tri ancient citadel, as well as the former line dividing the country - the Hien Luong river, is undertaking many projects to preserve historical sites for both cultural and tourism purpose.