Ninh Binh tourism with new expectations.

Việt Nam•01/01/2024

2023 continued to be a year of strong growth for Ninh Binh's tourism industry, with many targets far exceeding the annual plan. This serves as a foundation and driving force for the industry to continue achieving higher goals in the new year, further developing Ninh Binh's tourism.

Creating momentum for success in the new year.

2023 was a significant year, considered a "pivotal" year for Ninh Binh's tourism industry to successfully achieve the goals set forth in the Resolution of the 22nd Provincial Party Congress. It also affirmed the high level of effort and determination of the entire industry, the business community, and every citizen in tourist areas and destinations, with the expectation of bringing about a strong recovery and development of the tourism sector. Starting with high determination from the outset, the Ninh Binh tourism landscape in 2023 was painted with bright colors, with both visitor numbers and revenue increasing significantly, and services continuing to grow strongly.

During the year, the province welcomed nearly 6.6 million visitors, more than 1.7 times the number in 2022 and reaching 123.33% of the 2023 plan. Of these, over 1.3 million visitors stayed at accommodation facilities, more than 1.5 times the number in 2022; the estimated number of visitor nights reached over 1.8 million, more than 1.5 times the number in 2022. Total revenue for the year is estimated at over 6,500 billion VND, more than double the amount in 2022 and reaching 156.5% of the annual plan.

Comrade Bui Van Manh, Director of the Department of Tourism, said: This success further affirms the correct and timely directions in the leadership and guidance of the industry, and at the same time affirms the effective and creative business strategies of each unit and enterprise in the province. During the year, many tourism products have been invested in and expanded; scenic spots have been renovated and upgraded; and the tourism accommodation system has received attention and investment for development... Notably, many high-end tourism products have been put into operation to attract high-spending tourists such as: Minawa Kenh Ga Resort (Gia Vien), Emeralda Tam Coc Resort (Hoa Lu)...

Furthermore, Ninh Binh also focuses on organizing numerous cultural exchange activities and events of national and international significance to introduce, promote, and honor the tangible and intangible cultural heritage values, historical sites, and scenic landscapes of the locality. Through these activities, it affirms the potential for cultural tourism development, creates a strong impetus to attract development resources, and enhances the image and position of Ninh Binh on the domestic and international tourism map.

Throughout the year, the province has issued many new policies to stimulate tourism, creating confidence and momentum for the rapid and sustainable development of the tourism industry. Particularly noteworthy is Resolution No. 105/2023/NQ-HĐND of the Provincial People's Council "Regulations on some policies to support tourism development in Ninh Binh province in the period 2023-2030". According to the Resolution, the supported activities include: tourism promotion and advertising, tourism product development, construction and renovation of homestays, and training and development of tourism human resources. After 5 months of implementation, 7 units belonging to 2 policy groups have received support with a total support amount of over 100 million VND.

It can be affirmed that, with the close attention and guidance of the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Council, and the Provincial People's Committee, including the issuance of new policies, the tourism industry has developed strongly. In addition, the proactive, flexible, and positive efforts of each enterprise and locality have contributed to Ninh Binh's tourism industry achieving and exceeding the set targets for the year.

Foreign tourists experience tourism in Ninh Binh. Photo: Minh Duong

Striving for a new goal

Following the successes of 2023, many tourism service businesses have set their sights on conquering new and higher goals. According to representatives from many businesses, the start of the new year is marked by the lingering impact and widespread influence of the 2nd Ninh Binh-Trang An Festival. This event attracted a large number of tourists and served as a foundation and driving force for businesses to strive for new goals right from the beginning of the year.

According to Mr. Bui Van Manh, Director of the Department of Tourism: In 2024, the entire province aims to welcome 7.5 million visitors, including 6.6 million domestic tourists and 900,000 international tourists, with estimated revenue reaching 8,250 billion VND. Besides infrastructure, the industry will innovate and improve the quality of its workforce, fostering a cultured and civilized approach so that tourists will always want to return to this ancient capital city, full of unique character and hospitality.

The above objective has been well received by the tourism business community. Mr. Hoang Binh Minh, Director of Ninh Binh Tourism Services Joint Stock Company, said: "We have organized training and restructured our staff to prepare for the year's operational plans; reviewed services in the province and destinations nationwide, and from there developed products for the company. Along with restarting tours to Ninh Binh, in the new year, we will have new products focusing on experiential activities, building tours connecting heritage sites between localities. In the first week of the new year, the company launched three tours and is currently working with several travel agencies in provinces and cities nationwide to promote tours visiting festivals, pilgrimages, and temples during the spring season."

However, to achieve the set goals, the industry needs to continue addressing several limitations and shortcomings, such as: the quality of human resources not meeting new requirements; the large number of accommodation establishments but a modest number of those meeting 3-4 star standards or higher; and the lack of attractive and unique tourism products. To overcome these issues, it is necessary to focus on investing in and upgrading accommodation facilities to be comfortable and modern, and to implement policies to attract and retain skilled human resources. At the same time, businesses need to continue investing in research to develop tourism products that are attractive to tourists.

With positive signs and the efforts of all levels of government and the Ninh Binh tourism industry, the picture of the "smokeless" industry promises to be bright, achieving many new successes in 2024.

Minh Hai

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