An annual programme to promote tourism in the northern provinces of Phu Tho, Yen Bai and Lao Cai was launched at the Hung Kings historical relic complex in Phu Tho Province on January 31.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Nguyen Doan Khanh, chairman of the provincial People's Committee, noted that "Returning to the Roots 2009" is a chance for Vietnamese people to promote the tradition of great national unity and "Drinking water, Remembering the Source".

With various cultural festivals taking place throughout the year, he said the programme aims to restore, preserve and develop the distinctive cultural values of the Vietnamese nation and promote tourism as a spearhead industry in the three provinces.

At the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung welcomed the initiative to launch the programme to boost cooperation in tourism. He highlighted the three provinces' advantages for tourism development, saying Phu Tho is the cradle of the Vietnamese nation and the land embodies the essence of a traditional culture of different ethnic groups. He said the programme will help raise public awareness of the country's history.

Nearly 1,000 professional and amateur artists took part in a special art performance, featuring major festivals, folk games and tourist attractions in the three provinces.