Night markets create leverage to stimulate tourism

Interesting destination for tourists

Although the night market model is not new, it is still considered a "land" with great potential for tourism . This is where localities apply to retain tourists at night. In many localities, especially in key tourist areas, there are night markets. With a purely shopping and dining space, the night market has somewhat enhanced the experience for tourists.

From the temporary stalls of local people, Sa Pa night market ( Lao Cai ) is held on weekends from 4pm to 10pm, officially operating since 2017, creating a space imbued with the culture of ethnic minorities in the mountains.

When coming here, visitors can not only freely shop for Northwest-style items such as scarves, clothes, hats, etc., but also enjoy a variety of typical ethnic dishes. Along with that are traditional ethnic art performances, with special items such as: blowing the flute, umbrella dance of the Mong people; bell dance of the Dao people; bamboo dance, etc.

Sapa night market. (Photo: HT)

Not only Sa Pa night market, many night markets in the Northwest highlands have also become attractive destinations, unique local tourism products. This is not only a place to introduce and promote agricultural products as well as unique local culture but also becomes an interesting destination on the journey of discovery and experience of tourists when coming to the locality.

In Hanoi, the Old Quarter Night Market or the Quang Ba Night Flower Market is known as a place where the cultural quintessence of Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general converges, attracting both domestic and foreign tourists. People come here not only for shopping but also to enjoy the bustling, joyful atmosphere and feel the lifestyle of Hanoians.

Recently, on the pearl island of Phu Quoc, a new creative night market model called Vui Phet - VUI-Fest Bazaar has appeared. Not simply a market for tourists to experience shopping and dining at night, coming to VUI-Fest Bazaar, tourists can visit and shop at more than 50 stalls from cuisine to handicrafts, souvenirs, local products, and at the same time watch all kinds of fun street shows, from Loang Xoang show, Tinh Tuom show, Xung Xinh show, to watching the nightly fireworks display... Therefore, VUI-Fest has attracted tens of thousands of visitors to visit and shop.

The development of night market models such as Vui Phet has contributed to creating changes in the tourism service industry, increasing revenue; creating more jobs because night markets need a large number of workers, the demand for human resources is not only limited to chefs, restaurant service but also from accompanying services such as drivers, security guards, cleaners, etc. Along with that, gathering in the same space many products and products for tourists to shop also helps the government more easily in managing, stabilizing prices, avoiding the situation of "ripping off", soliciting customers, thereby making a strong impression on tourists about the image of friendly and civilized local tourism.

To keep night markets attracting tourists

The night market somehow adds to the experience for tourists. (Photo: HT)

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has just held a conference to disseminate Decree No. 60 of the Government on market development and management. The new decree stipulates that the night market model is a market organized in an area or location designated for local night-time economic development, operating from 6 p.m. the previous day to 6 a.m. the following morning. In addition, markets will also be divided into 3 types: class 2, class 1 and class 3 markets, depending on the scale and area as well as the investment in semi-permanent or permanent construction.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the night market model has appeared in a number of provinces and cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh Hoa, Da Nang, Nha Trang, etc. Night markets have the advantage of attracting tourists and creating highlights and colors for each locality and region. However, in reality, there are not many rich and vibrant night markets. On the contrary, many night markets do not operate as expected, falling into a state of sluggishness and lack of customers. Some of the night markets in Ho Chi Minh City include Ben Thanh night market, Ho Thi Ky market, An Thuong night market (Da Nang), etc.

According to Ms. Do Thi Khanh Linh, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, some night markets in Ho Chi Minh City are not unique, so when going to the market, many people only think about eating and drinking, there is no special element. In addition, most of the night markets sell the same snacks, mostly fried foods, greasy foods, etc. The handicrafts and souvenirs are of low quality and aesthetics, and the prices are more expensive than online trading floors, so many tourists go to the night market once and do not want to go a second time.

Having experienced night markets at many tourist destinations across the country, Ms. Pham Thi Ben Hai, Hanoi said: Night markets at many tourist destinations are similar, so they are not really attractive, and you will get bored after just one visit. According to Ms. Hai, in addition to selling food and souvenirs, night markets need to have more entertainment services to attract tourists.

Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said that night markets in localities were very crowded when they first opened, but gradually became less crowded. According to him, to maintain night markets associated with tourism development, it is necessary to have a plan and add the role of businesses in operations. “Night markets need a general plan and evaluation of local products. Each region has its own products, associated with the characteristics of that locality. In addition, there needs to be a connection between businesses and localities to develop products together,” said Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa.

According to experts, visitors to the night market not only eat and shop, but also feel happy, relax and enjoy many unique experiences . Therefore, it is necessary to have a separate plan for the night market soon. It is necessary to invest more in the night market in art programs, cultural industries, large shopping centers, street activities, new night attractions and entertainment, and strongly call for attracting large investors. In addition, it is also necessary to survey the needs of visitors, supplement appropriately based on existing local capacity and call for the cooperation of the business community.

Tourism service businesses must also effectively exploit the strengths of local cuisine and culture, turning night markets into typical tourism products; conduct surveys to grasp the needs and tastes of domestic and international visitors.

It can be said that the advantage of night markets is to attract tourists and create highlights and colors for each locality and region. Therefore, developing night markets will have important contributions to economic growth, exploiting the potential of tourism and service activities, promoting Vietnamese culture and cuisine to the world./.

Source: https://dangcongsan.vn/kinh-te/cho-dem-tao-don-bay-kich-cau-du-lich-674794.html