A photo contest promoting tourism has been launched under the theme of Vietnam -My Homeland.

Professional and amateur photographers who live in Vietnam, whether Vietnamese or foreign, are encouraged to join in the contest between now and next May 31. The best photo will win VND 10 million (US$560) and an overseas trip for two when the contest results are announced next July 9.

Vietnam Artistic Photographers Association vice president Vu Huyen said that, when the contest ends, it will contribute the best photos to promoting tourism in Vietnam on the occasions of Hanoi’s 1,000th anniversary next year, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Vietnamese tourism industry and the 30th anniversary of the Du Lich (Tourism) magazine.

“Photos are one among the most effective ways to promote tourism,” Huyen said.

“If someone intends to visit Vietnam, he will consult photos of the country, and these photos play an important role in persuading them.”

The contest would also give Vietnamese photographers a good opportunity to be creative and show their love for the country, Huyen said.

Contest entries would be directed to reflect the uniqueness, beauty and variety in the life and culture of the Vietnamese people, as well as sights and tourist areas, heritage and cultural preservation, historic sites and traditional festivals throughout the country.

Contestants would be allowed to submit unlimited photos in colour or black-and-white in 10cm by 15cm prints to the organising board at Du Lich magazine, 30A Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi, and to the VAPA, 51 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi.

The Du Lich magazine published by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, holds the contest every five years. The last contest in 2005 attracted more than 270 photographers, including foreigners, who submitted more than 3,000 entries to the organising board. (VNA)