In his opening speech, Hanoi Mayor Nguyen The Thao noted that 999 years ago King Ly Thai To issued the Edict on the Transfer of the Capital, moving the capital from Hoa Lu (in Ninh Binh province) to Thang Long citadel (now Hanoi). Despite many upheavals of history, Hanoi became the assembly point of scholars, diverse cultures and ethnic groups from across the country. It is now the country’s political, administrative, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological centre.

A ceremony was held in Hanoi on October 10 to celebrate the 999th anniversary of the capital and announce the National Tourism Year 2010.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung handed over the symbolic flag of the National Tourism Year 2010 to Mr Thao.

Nearly 1,000 artists, actors and actresses entertained local audiences with special art performances that feature the distinctive cultural identity of Thang Long-Hanoi and promote the city’s friendly and attractive image to visitors.

The Tourism Year 2010 is closely linked to celebrations of the capital’s 1,000th anniversary. It will include nine major programmes and almost 30 activities, including tourism and cultural festivals and sports games. This is a good chance for Hanoi to show off the image of the City for Peace to local and foreign visitors.