Binh Dinh aims to attract international tourists through water sports.

Binh Dinh aims to become a hub for sailing, jet skiing, and other water sports events to attract global tourists.

This content was discussed by provincial leaders and experts at the seminar "Solutions for developing the marine economy in conjunction with world cultural and sports events," held on October 28-29, 2023, coinciding with the Quy Nhon 2023 International Sailing and Stand-Up Paddleboarding Race.

According to Mr. Lam Hai Giang, Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh province, tourism has been identified as one of the province's five economic pillars. In 2022, the total number of tourists reached 4.12 million, an increase of 1.8 times; total tourism revenue reached over 13,000 billion VND, an increase of 6.5 times.

Sailing boats in the Quy Nhon sea before the sailing race on October 28th and 29th. Photo: Binh Chanh — Sailing boats in the Quy Nhon sea before the sailing race on October 28th and 29th. Photo: *Binh Chanh*

In terms of tourism products, the province has recently focused on sports tourism with disciplines such as traditional martial arts, golf, cross-country running, beach volleyball, and marathon running, attracting both domestic and international tourists.

Mr. Lam Hai Giang, Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh province, speaks about marine sports. Photo: Binh Dinh Newspaper — Mr. Lam Hai Giang, Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh Province. Photo: *Binh Dinh Newspaper*

Mr. Giang believes that countries around the world are taking advantage of hosting major international events to build their national image and develop tourism and services. However, sports tourism in Vietnam is not yet truly vibrant and remains in its potential stage, awaiting opportunities to be explored. Therefore, the province will focus on developing this type of tourism in the coming time.

One of the highlights in the province's sports tourism is the cooperation with the International Powerboat Federation, the organizer of the F1H2O race held in approximately 40 countries worldwide, scheduled for March 2024. Another highlight is the ongoing international sailing and stand-up paddleboarding competitions, attracting 20 athletes from 10 countries including Australia, France, Singapore, Japan, and Italy.

According to the leaders of Binh Dinh province, the race will be a stepping stone to create a trend in marine sports and transform Vietnam's marine economy; thereby, the image of the culture, people, and tourism resources of Binh Dinh province will be widely promoted through international television channels.

Athletes prepare for the sailing race in Quy Nhon. Photo: Binh Dinh — Athletes prepare for the sailing race in Quy Nhon. Photo: *Binh Dinh*

Mr. Tran Viet Anh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Binh Dinh F1 Joint Stock Company, the organizer of the race in Vietnam, said that the race not only brings tourists to experience sporting activities, but also provides an opportunity for international investors to explore investment opportunities in the province.

In many countries, besides being a sport, the race is also linked to the economy. "Marine sports accounted for 3.2% of the US GDP in 2022," Mr. Anh cited, noting that races in other countries attract around 40,000 to 50,000 international tourists.

Mr. Nguyen Hai Duong, Head of the International Cooperation Department - Department of Physical Education and Sports and Vice President - General Secretary of the Vietnam Rowing Federation, believes that many provinces and cities have successfully promoted their country and people through sports competitions. He is confident that this race will help spread the image of Binh Dinh widely.

Pham Linh

Source link