Hanoi, Vietnam, Jan. 12 -- U.S. Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Knapper

Speaking on the growing role of tourism in the Viet Nam-U.S. relations, Ambassador Knapper said that since the normalization of ties in 1995, bilateral relations have expanded from a modest starting point into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership covering trade, investment, education, science and technology, as well as security and defense.

At the heart of this progress, he emphasized, lies mutual understanding and trust-an area where tourism plays a vital role.

"Tourism creates natural and sustainable people-to-people exchanges," the diplomat said, adding that travel allows citizens of both countries to directly experience each other's culture, history, cuisine, and ...