Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh emphasised that the Flamboyant Flower Festival was a prerequisite for Hai Phong to promote culture-based tourism development and is also a practical action to implement the national strategic programme on cultural development.

Chairman of Hai Phong municipal People's Committee Duong Anh Dien said the annual festival was initiated in 2011, from the idea of ​​organising a cultural tourism festival showcasing a beautiful flower blossom abundant in the city, to promote and build tourism and enhance the image of Hai Phong.

Over the last two seasons, Flamboyant Flower Festival has gradually built up to become a recognised festival of Hai Phong, symbolising and praising the land and people of this land.

At the opening ceremony, National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu announced national special scenic relic recognition for Cat Ba Archipelago.

Earlier, on May 9-10, Hai Phong city held many prominent events in celebration of the festival, including drum performances, water puppet shows and a cuisine fair with over 100 booths promoting the unique foods and tourism products of the 15 districts in the city.

At the same time, a pilot tram tour service was available in the downtown area.