Sports tourism is booming in Vietnam.

Việt Nam•08/01/2024

Sports tourism contributes to boosting local tourism and promoting the image of Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Van Ngo

Sports tourism events have become a potential market, boosting the domestic tourism industry and becoming a popular choice for many customer segments.

In particular, as race-cation tourism becomes increasingly popular, many new running events are constantly being organized in different locations, offering unique experiences for both domestic and international tourists.

"Combining tourism with sports and nature exploration is a current trend in Vietnam," said Mr. Le Van Tuan, Director of Vietnam Running Development Company Limited.

Promoting sustainable tourism development.

According to Happrun.vn's compilation, approximately 62 marathon and trail running events of varying scales were organized in Vietnam in 2023. Not only were these events held on familiar routes, but many also opened up new routes, attracting tourists to register and participate in new and exciting destinations.

In mid-February, the "Ky Son Marathon 2024 - Towards the Mountains" will be held for the first time in Ky Son, a mountainous district in western Nghe An province. The race route is designed along the Lam River, in the area bordering Vietnam and Laos. Visitors will be able to admire ripening rice fields, sea of clouds surrounding majestic mountains, and pass through villages of the Thai, Mong, and Khmu ethnic groups.

Mr. Le Van Tuan, representing the organizing committee, said: "We want to create an annual event that combines sports and tourism to help build and develop the local economy in particularly disadvantaged areas like Ky Son district, while also showcasing the pristine beauty of the area to friends both domestically and internationally, and promoting a sustainable tourism model in the locality."

The trail running route is close to the daily life of the local people, allowing runners to gain a deeper understanding of the rich and distinctive ethnic culture of the area. Photo: Ky Son Marathon 2024

"With the enthusiastic support of the local government and people, the race is not only a sporting event but also a meaningful way to connect and exchange local culture. From there, a tourism model closely linked to the cultural and spiritual life of the people has been born. The village tourism model – where everyone participates in tourism, every household engages in tourism – creates a familiar and warm feeling for tourists when they come to the locality," Mr. Tuan shared.

He also argued that tourism linked to household economies would help promote the role and responsibility of local people in the sustainable development of tourism.

Therefore, the organization is always striving to find new routes with unique features to attract runners to experience the race, as well as connect locations to create tourist routes and develop community tourism both domestically and internationally.

When participating in running races, tourists often stay in the area for 2-4 days, which is the most significant expense. Ms. Lo Thi Giang (39 years old, of the Thai ethnic group), owner of a homestay in Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province, said: "Every time the Mu Cang Chai Ultra Trail race season comes around, the number of guests staying increases many times compared to normal days. My homestay and other establishments in the area are fully booked."

She shared that most tourists book all-inclusive accommodation and meal packages through her agency to avoid overcrowding at restaurants when thousands of runners flock to the race, as well as to experience local specialties.

"I hope there will be more seasons to stimulate local tourism, create more jobs for the people here, and promote sustainable development," Ms. Giang said. In addition, the organization also offers incentives for partners who book services in advance.

Introducing and promoting tourism through running.

As a young man passionate about running and traveling, in addition to participating in running races, Nguyen Huu Phong (26 years old, living in Bien Hoa) often combines running in the places he visits.

"During my recent cross-Vietnam trip, in cities like Nha Trang, Phu Yen, Da Nang..., I spent time driving along the coast, meeting, chatting with, and introducing tourist destinations to international visitors," Phong shared.

Although he only started pursuing running races a little over a year ago, runner Nguyen Huu Phong is participating in 42km races and regularly shares useful content about running and travel with others. Photo: Nguyen Huu Phong

The male runner said that although his foreign language skills are still quite limited, he is very happy to meet and share more about the country and his experiences at various places across Vietnam with friends both domestically and internationally.

With over 61,000 followers on his TikTok channel sharing running content, Huu Phong says he plans to share his experiences combining travel and running with runners, including tips on transportation, accommodation, food, and specific places to visit for each race.

"I hope these shared videos will help people save time and enhance their experience when participating in running events," Phong said.

Similarly, Chau Nguyen (living in Ho Chi Minh City) recently completed the 60km race at the Prenn Trail Challenge held in Da Lat City (Lam Dong province). According to the runner, the race route was completely different, showcasing all the unique characteristics of the Central Highlands region.

Runner Châu Nguyễn ran through pine forests and rugged slopes in Da Lat. Photo: Prenn Trail Challenge

Runners can run through rustling pine forests, challenging slopes, tea and coffee plantations, or the picturesque Tuyen Lam Lake. "Reaching the highest point of the race, Pinhatt Peak, I got to admire the panoramic view of Prenn Pass from a new, more breathtaking perspective. The feeling of conquering the race while enjoying the scenery was amazing," shared Chau Nguyen.

Each run takes runners through many new destinations, allowing them to experience the beauty of nature and people in a close and vivid way. It also provides many exciting experiences. The male runner hopes that these races will contribute to the development of tourism, making domestic tourists love Vietnam even more and encouraging international tourists to explore it.

Beyond localities with unique natural landscapes, Ho Chi Minh City also aims to bring its dynamic and modern beauty closer to Vietnamese and international runners through running events. A prime example is the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon, which runs through 17 landmarks associated with the city's history, such as the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the City Theatre.

The 11th Ho Chi Minh City Marathon will soon take place in Ho Chi Minh City. The race route will run along the Saigon River and some streets in Thu Duc City, giving runners the opportunity to admire a series of famous landmarks such as Ben Thanh Market, Bitexco Tower, Thu Thiem 2 Bridge, and the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee building.

Ms. Nguyen Thuy Linh, marketing representative of Pulse Trading and Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (the organizer of the Ho Chi Minh City Marathon), said: "Running events held in scenic locations are gradually proving their appeal. This year's event has approximately 11,000 runners from over 50 countries participating. Asian and American countries make up the majority."

The Ho Chi Minh City Marathon attracts a large number of runners from both within and outside the country. Photo: HCMC Marathon

In addition, this organization also holds the Da Nang International Marathon to attract international tourists to participate in the event while combining it with tourism. The race route is designed to pass through prominent destinations and landmarks of each locality. Runners will be treated to a diverse and beautiful panorama of Vietnam in motion.

"The race is an opportunity for runners to engage in cultural exchange and promote Vietnam to international friends. This will boost development and stimulate local tourism. I hope that in the future, Vietnam will become a destination that attracts tourists for both sports and tourism," said Ms. Linh.

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