Hanoi curtails street performers

HANOI Hanoi authorities may ban street artists from performing in pedestrian areas and walkways around the capital’s iconic Ho Guom (Sword Lake).

Local media quoted the municipal culture and sports department head, To Van Dong, saying the ban would apply to those who attempt to offer pavement entertainment and fail to report the content of their show in advance.

“While performers are not required to seek official permits, the culture department still requires them to inform authorities in advance.”

He added: “We need to know what the performances are about and whether they contravene laws on noise levels.”

In the long-term, the department will create a set of rules for street performers, he added.

The walking street near Ho Guom was opened to the public. 2 September, on the occasion of Vietnam’s National Day. Numerous street artists and performers have quickly turned the new venue into an opportunity to showcase their skills to the public, the report said.

Hanoi welcomed 3.2 million international tourist arrivals in the first 10 months of this year, up 23% year-on-year.

The city should attract 30 million tourists by 2020, mainly domestic visitors with around 5.7 million international tourists. The annual growth rate should be around 8% to 10%.

Total revenue from tourism in 2020 is projected at USD5.3 billion, up 15% to 17% annually. Occupancy rates at hotels are expected to average 60% to 65%.

This year, Hanoi has targeted 21.17 million tourists, including 3.8 international tourists, and earnings of USD2.69 billion. Domestic travel statistics are estimates.