On December 31, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism released a list of the 10 most noticeable events in culture, sports, and tourism in 2013. Once again, the list paints an overly optimistic picture while overlooking the darker events of the past year.

According to many, the list mentions events that are too generic and broad and are actually chains of events, rather than single occurances. As in previous years, the list seems to be a report of the ministry’s achievements.

In addition, the list paints an overly optimistic picture. In reality, the year 2013 was plagued by pressing issues regarding the inadequate management of performances and the failure to preserve relics well.

The ministry also issued legal documents that stirred the public because of their unreasonable terms.

The list is as follows:

1. The summing up of the 15-year project of implementing Central Resolution 5, session 8 regarding the building and development of Vietnamese culture which is advanced yet rich in traditional values.

2. UNESCO recognizes “don ca tai tu” (southern folk music and songs) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Vietnam, for the first time ever, has been elected to the World Heritage Council.

3. A host of cultural and artistic activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and several other countries. The art festival of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

4. The Peoples Solidarity – Vietnam Heritage Week; the 2013 Quang Nam Heritage Festival; the 1st “Ngo” Boat Race Festival of ethnic minority Khmer people in the Mekong Delta; and the 8th festival of cultural, sports, and tourism activities in Northwestern mountainous provinces.

5. The 2013 Vietnam Family Year and the 2nd congress honoring exemplary families nationwide.

6. Vietnam’s accomplishments at international sports competitions: Vietnam ranked third of 44 countries and territories at the 4th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games Incheon (AIMAG 4); ranked third of 11 countries at the 27th SEA Games; ranked seventh of 45 countries and territories at the 2nd Asian Youth Games; and ranked fifth of 41 countries and territories at the 2013 Asian Youth Para Games.

7. The achievements of Vietnamese athletes at international sport competitions: Nguyen Thi Anh Vien won two golds in swimming at the 27th SEA Games; Nguyen Ha Thanh won gold in gymnastics at the 2013 Grand Prix Osijek; Hoang Xuan Vinh won Vietnam’s first gold in shooting at the 2013 ISSF World Cup; Le Quang Liem was the first Vietnamese chess player to win the World Rapid and Blitz Championships; and Nguyen Tien Minh won bronze in badminton at the 2013 BWF World Championships.

8. The sport festivals in provinces that are preparation for the 7th National Sports Festival in 2014.

9. Vietnam welcomes 7.5 million foreign arrivals and 35 million domestic ones, with the total tourism revenues reaching VND200 trillion (US$9.43 billion), two years ahead of the 2015 target.

10. The 2013 Red River Delta – Hai Phong National Tourism Year. Vietnam hosts the 1st International Conference on Religious Tourism.