"The runway" for tourism to take off.

The formation and development of tourism in Binh Thuan has been a long journey. It is the result of continuous efforts and dedication from all levels, sectors, localities, and the people. The support of investors and domestic and foreign tourists has contributed to the development of tourism in Binh Thuan.

Above all, however, it is the attention and correct policies of the Party, specifically Resolution 06 on tourism development until 2025, with a vision to 2030, issued by the Provincial Party Committee. The specific goals, guiding policies, and timely strategic solutions have created favorable conditions for Binh Thuan's tourism to take off.

Create a runway.

Back in 2019, Binh Thuan's tourism industry welcomed over 6.4 million visitors, generating 15,000 billion VND in revenue; in 2020, it welcomed 3.2 million visitors, generating 9,400 billion VND; and by 2021, it had dropped to only 1.7 million visitors with revenue exceeding 4,000 billion VND. Comparing these figures shows that Binh Thuan's tourism industry has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. How can the tourism industry recover and develop again? This is a difficult problem, but one that urgently needs a satisfactory solution. In response to this practical need, on October 24, 2021, the Binh Thuan Provincial Party Committee issued Resolution 06 on tourism development until 2025, with a vision to 2030, demonstrating the highest determination to overcome difficulties for the tourism industry and open a new phase of development with high expectations. Resolution 06 outlines the strategic direction of developing tourism into a key economic sector and a pillar of socio-economic development for the province; building Mui Ne National Tourist Area into one of the leading destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. To achieve this goal, the Binh Thuan Provincial Party Committee has requested a review and adjustment of the integrated tourism development plan within the Provincial Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. This includes reshaping the tourism development space in several coastal areas and potential areas to attract investment in high-end resort and entertainment projects. The resolution also proposes specific solutions to support tourism businesses in recovering and developing amidst the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The timely and appropriate timing of the Resolution acted as a leverage, helping the tourism industry overcome difficulties, unleash its potential and strengths, and contribute to the province's development.

After more than two years of implementation, the important contents of Resolution 06 have been carried out with urgency and determination. The entire political system of the Party, government, mass organizations, people, and businesses in the province have joined hands and contributed to creating momentum for the development of the tourism industry. All these decisive actions have created a new face for Binh Thuan's tourism industry. This is clearly demonstrated by impressive figures such as: The number of tourists visiting the province increased by an average of 16.28% per year (of which: international tourists increased by an average of 2.07 times per year, domestic tourists increased by an average of 14.8% per year). Revenue from tourism activities increased by an average of 16.56% per year. In 2022, the whole province welcomed 5.7 million tourists (of which, international tourists accounted for about 1.5%); revenue from tourism activities reached 13.7 billion VND, contributing 7.04% to the province's GRDP. In 2023 (up to October 2023), the province welcomed 7.3 million visitors (of which international visitors accounted for approximately 2.9%); revenue from tourism activities reached VND 18.8 billion, contributing approximately 8.77% to the province's GRDP. Notably, for the first time, Binh Thuan ranked among the top 9 localities nationwide in terms of tourism revenue in the first six months of 2023, with revenue exceeding VND 10,000 billion. The province achieved its 2023 visitor target ahead of schedule, reaching nearly 7 million visitors, exceeding the annual plan by 3.93% and increasing by 75.8% compared to the same period last year.

In particular, in 2023, Binh Thuan hosted the National Tourism Year 2023 with the theme "Binh Thuan - Green Convergence". Binh Thuan organized many activities with numerous events and festivals taking place continuously throughout the province and across 41 provinces and cities nationwide, attracting enthusiastic participation from the people and tourists, creating a joyful and exciting atmosphere.

Paving the way for the next phase.

The achievements affirm the correctness of the policies outlined in Resolution 06. However, in reality, Binh Thuan's tourism industry still faces many difficulties and limitations, including inadequate infrastructure for tourism development. Attracting investment in integrated tourism projects, high-end resorts linked to entertainment, commerce, services, and sports is still weak. The implementation of tourism projects in some areas is slow and has not received adequate attention. The awareness of some people involved in tourism services regarding sustainable tourism development remains limited. The tourism workforce is insufficient in both quantity and quality. While tourism products have improved, they have not yet created a breakthrough or strong appeal to tourists. Environmental sanitation in some areas is still poor, especially regarding waste and wastewater in tourist areas, beaches, residential areas, and public spaces.

To move closer to achieving the goals set out in Resolution 06, Binh Thuan will finalize its tourism development plan – focusing on completing and effectively implementing the General Plan for the Mui Ne National Tourist Area until 2040, with a vision to 2050; and successfully organizing the remaining activities of the National Tourism Year 2023. In addition, it will urgently complete the construction and implementation of the province's Nighttime Economy Development Project until 2030. The goal is to build and develop a tourism ecosystem in Binh Thuan that adheres to the criteria of "Safe - Friendly - High Quality". Furthermore, Binh Thuan will improve infrastructure, attract investment, and develop diverse and high-quality tourism products. This includes focusing investment on completing the infrastructure system serving tourism development: Phan Thiet Airport (civil aviation category), transportation routes, breakwaters, water supply and drainage systems, wastewater treatment systems, centralized waste disposal systems, etc., creating a favorable environment for attracting and implementing tourism projects. At the same time, it calls for investment in developing new and attractive types of tourism services, especially large-scale projects, high-end entertainment areas, and shopping centers to support tourism development. It also aims to improve the quality and diversify tourism products and services, and pay attention to developing the tourism workforce in both quantity and quality.

It can be said that, with the results achieved after two years of implementing Resolution 06 on tourism development until 2025, with orientation to 2030, issued by the Provincial Party Committee, Binh Thuan tourism is confidently moving towards the future as a destination of national and international stature.

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/duong-bang-cho-du-lich-cat-canh-114595.html