Binh Thuan reaps huge rewards thanks to hosting the national tourism year.

Binh Thuan welcomed over 8.5 million tourists, generating revenue exceeding 23,000 billion VND during the 2023 National Tourism Year, nearly double that of the previous year.

The above results were announced by Mr. Doan Anh Dung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Thuan province, at the closing ceremony of the 2023 National Tourism Year "Binh Thuan - Green Convergence" in Phan Thiet city, on the evening of December 27th.

Mr. Doan Anh Dung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Thuan province, speaks at the closing ceremony of the National Tourism Year 2023, on the evening of December 27. Photo: Tu Huynh — Mr. Doan Anh Dung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Thuan province, speaks at the closing ceremony of the National Tourism Year 2023, on the evening of December 27. Photo: *Tu Huynh*

According to the leaders of Binh Thuan province, during the year of hosting the event, more than 200 cultural, sports , tourism, and artistic activities were organized. "This is truly a great opportunity for Binh Thuan tourism to spread the message of a friendly, peaceful, hospitable land rich in historical and cultural identity to domestic and international tourists," Mr. Dung said.

According to Mr. Dung, this opportunity has created conditions for Binh Thuan's tourism to undergo a strong transformation. For the first time, the province welcomed over 8.5 million tourists with total tourism revenue reaching over 23,000 billion VND, nearly double that of 2022, becoming one of the 9 provinces and cities with the highest tourism revenue in the country.

Building on this success, Binh Thuan will persistently pursue the goal of green development, sustainable development, environmental friendliness, and harmony with nature; preserve and promote historical relics, traditional craft villages, and unique festivals; diversify and improve the quality of products and services, and elevate Binh Thuan's tourism.

Mui Ne Bay beach, Phan Thiet city, late December 2023. Photo: Viet Quoc — A picturesque beach on the coast of Mui Ne (Binh Thuan province), late 2023. Photo: *Tu Huynh*

According to Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong, in 2023, Vietnam welcomed over 12.5 million international tourists and 108 million domestic tourists, with total tourism revenue estimated at 672,000 billion VND. Binh Thuan was among the 9 provinces and cities nationwide with tourism revenue exceeding 10,000 billion VND.

Leaders of the Binh Thuan Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism affirmed that the achievements were largely due to the successful organization of the National Tourism Year "Binh Thuan - Green Convergence". The series of activities have been highly effective in attracting investment, developing tourism products, and promoting the image of Vietnam, its land, and its people.

"The success of the 2023 National Tourism Year has had a positive impact on the recovery of Vietnam's tourism industry in general and Binh Thuan tourism in particular," Deputy Minister Cuong assessed.

According to the plan issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the 2024 National Tourism Year will be held in Dien Bien province. Leaders of Binh Thuan province presented a symbolic flag to Dien Bien, the host province for the 2024 National Tourism Year, at the ceremony.