Regarding the development of tourism in Vietnam in general, viewed from the perspective of international air passenger transport, according to statistics up to September 2023, the total number of passengers transported on international routes to and from Vietnam reached approximately 23.4 million, a 2.5-fold increase compared to the same period of the previous year. This data shows that the international passenger transport market is gradually recovering, with over 61 foreign regular airlines and 5 Vietnamese airlines operating over 147 international routes connecting 28 countries and territories to 6 destinations in Vietnam. According to the Winter Flight Schedule 2023 (from October 29, 2023 to March 30, 2024), both domestic and international airlines have developed operational plans linked to various tourist markets.
Besides the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, popular tourist destinations such as Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, and Da Lat are also receiving significant attention from key international tourist markets, with airlines operating flights to these destinations. Identifying key tourism markets, Vietnam has signed 67 bilateral aviation agreements and 9 multilateral aviation agreements with various countries and territories. These agreements have created a complete legal framework, facilitating the operation of international routes to and from Vietnam by both Vietnamese and foreign airlines. Currently, with the reopening of key tourist markets such as China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and France, and especially emerging markets like India and Australia, Vietnamese airlines are gradually increasing flight frequencies to these markets, meeting the travel needs of tourists. Phan Thiet Airport is expected to handle over 2 million passengers annually at its designed capacity. Furthermore, the airport's development is being integrated with a series of other inter-regional transportation infrastructure projects, including the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay - Phan Thiet - Nha Trang expressway.
Unlike famous tourist destinations such as Nha Trang, Vung Tau , and Da Nang, Binh Thuan still possesses many undiscovered beauties. The synchronized development of transportation and logistics infrastructure projects is an opportunity for the province's tourism to take off. This shows that as travel time to Binh Thuan is shortened, the number of tourists visiting the province will increase significantly. Evidence of this is the fact that when the expressway from Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Phan Thiet was put into operation, the number of tourists visiting Binh Thuan in 2023 nearly doubled compared to 2022. In particular, the number of tourists visiting the province is very high during holidays. 1- and 2-star hotels and equivalent achieve occupancy rates of around 80-90%; 3- and 5-star resorts and equivalent reach approximately 95-100%.
With the opening of the expressway, shortening travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Binh Thuan, it is predicted that Binh Thuan tourism will receive an even higher number of tourists in the near future. Along with the accelerated construction of Phan Thiet airport, Binh Thuan tourism will enter a new phase, welcoming more international tourists via air travel, instead of the currently popular road routes. According to a survey of Phan Thiet tourism among foreign tourists, 35.5% rated transportation as an important criterion in choosing a destination, ranking after attractiveness, safety, and value for money. In terms of infrastructure, Binh Thuan province is also focusing on infrastructure development strategies to increase the capacity to accommodate tourists, including both international and domestic visitors. Besides Phan Thiet airport, there is also Long Thanh International Airport and inter-regional connecting roads within Binh Thuan that have been and are being invested in and developed. The quadrilateral tourism model encompassing Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Da Lat, and Ho Chi Minh City is gradually taking shape.
In fact, many leaders and experts have analyzed the distinct advantages and opportunities of Binh Thuan province, which possesses a full range of transportation options, from roads and railways to maritime routes and, soon, air transport. Therefore, the opening of Phan Thiet airport is expected to be a crucial driving force for the socio-economic and tourism development of Binh Thuan.
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