This new innovation is the result of a cooperative effort between UNESCO, Asiana Airlines, ILO, and the EU-funded Environmentally and Socially Responsible Tourism Capacity Development Programme (ESRT).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, UNESCO General Director Irina Bokova said the upgrade of the Hoi An Tourist Information Center can be seen as a professional, dynamic and comprehensive model to develop the tourism industry that she hopes will spread across the nation.

Hoi An Tourist Information Center will provide domestic and foreign tourists with information about local attractions, sightseeing tours, and shopping areas. It also aims to provide an overview of local culture and history to make visits to Hoi An more enjoyable for visitors.

The Hoi An Tourist Information Center was established as the pilot model in the country for the ESRT-sponsored initiative of connecting products and services providers with the market, bringing tourists to local communities with professionally-trained staff and convenient, competent service methods.