Stimulating domestic and international tourism

In recent times, Binh Thuan has not only focused on stimulating tourism demand for domestic visitors but also paid attention to foreign tourists and potential markets through various forms and programs, including Farmtrip.

A corner of Ong Dia Rock (Photo by N. Lan)

1. With its blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine, and warm, fresh climate, Mui Ne in particular, and Binh Thuan in general, emerged as a phenomenon in the "non-polluting industry" worldwide in the 1990s, following the total solar eclipse. Since then, people both domestically and internationally have become more aware of Binh Thuan. Wherever they go, they feel that this region is very suitable for tourism development.

Recognizing this, and in line with the central government's directives, particularly Resolution 08-NQ/TW dated January 16, 2017, of the Politburo (12th term) on developing tourism into a key economic sector, Binh Thuan has focused on tourism development. To date, tourism has become one of the province's pillar economic sectors. In 2016 – the year of implementing Resolution No. 09-NQ/TU of the Provincial Party Committee (13th term) on tourism development until 2020 – more than 4.5 million tourists visited the province's tourist areas for sightseeing, relaxation, and entertainment, including approximately 500,000 international visitors. Tourism revenue reached 8,700 billion VND, an 18% increase compared to 2015. In 2023, the synchronized development of inter-regional transportation infrastructure with the opening of the North-South expressway created momentum for tourism to "take off," with tourism revenue estimated at 11,348 billion VND, a 2.52-fold increase compared to the same period in 2022.

Tourists visit a dragon fruit orchard. Photo: N.Lân.

This forecasts continued growth in Binh Thuan's tourism sector as the province strives to revitalize itself by upgrading urban areas, focusing on environmental sanitation, and creating favorable conditions for investment in the tourism sector. Alongside this, emphasis is placed on programs to stimulate domestic and international tourism. Notably, the Provincial People's Committee recently assigned the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to lead and coordinate with agencies, organizations, businesses, and the community to launch the "Vietnamese People Travel in Vietnam - My Beloved Vietnam" program, in line with the Prime Minister's directive to develop comprehensive, rapid, and sustainable tourism with the motto: "Unique Products - Professional Services - Convenient and Simple Procedures - Competitive Prices - Clean and Beautiful Environment - Safe, Civilized, and Friendly Destinations." Furthermore, tourism establishments in the province, especially high-end accommodations in the Ham Tien and Mui Ne areas (Phan Thiet City), are offering various tourism stimulus packages, such as organizing entertainment services to attract domestic tourists.

International tourists swim at Ham Tien beach. (Photo by N. Lan)

2. In addition, emphasis is placed on stimulating tourism demand from international visitors through various forms, such as promoting tourism through domestic and international media, travel agencies, and international tourism fairs, as well as actively attracting international Farmtrip groups. Recently, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Binh Thuan province organized a meeting and exchange with an international Farmtrip group. This is not the first time the locality has hosted such groups; it has been done many years before. For example, in September 2015, the Binh Thuan Tourism Association worked and exchanged ideas with an international Farmtrip group including travel companies, tourism businesses, and journalists from countries such as Russia, the UK, India, and South Korea. Ms. Linda Kavanagh from Montecito Village Company of the US, who was visiting Binh Thuan for the first time to conduct a survey, was amazed by the tourism potential of Binh Thuan. She commented that Binh Thuan is a fairly ideal destination suitable for many types of tourists. Afterwards, she planned to bring tourists to Mui Ne. In 2016, another international Farmtrip group also came to survey and learn about tourism products. The group visited and experienced tourism products at several famous tourist destinations such as: Mui Ne sand dunes, Ta Cu tourist area, Po Sah Inu Cham tower relic in Phan Thiet, the wine castle and golf course of Sealinks City...

Many Farmtrip groups have visited Binh Thuan for surveys. Photo: T. Nhan.

Almost every time they visit, the local authorities are very enthusiastic in facilitating the research and survey trip. This is because it's an opportunity for tourism businesses to promote and introduce their products to a large number of tourists – "buyers and promoters" – in the most positive way. Thanks to this, the image of Binh Thuan tourism has also reached further. Ms. Nguyen Lan Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the province, said when receiving the Farmtrip delegation: "With the goal of developing green and sustainable tourism, Binh Thuan strives to build a tourism brand associated with unique events based on its strengths in the sea and its outstanding advantages, namely sunshine, wind, sand, pristine nature, and especially its gentle and hospitable people…"

In addition to stimulating domestic and international tourism, Binh Thuan also focuses on mobilizing, encouraging, guiding, and urging tourism service businesses in the area to ensure the quality of services for tourists. Along with this, the locality is developing unique tourism products that can attract and leave a lasting impression on tourists, thereby encouraging them to return more often.

Farmtrip - a free or discounted travel program organized by a country or tourism organization for travel agencies, management agencies, and journalists to visit one or more tourist destinations in a country or locality to survey, learn about, and familiarize themselves with the area, then develop effective and attractive tourism programs to offer to tourists.

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/kich-cau-du-lich-noi-dia-va-quoc-te-huong-di-dung-124102.html