Long Hai - a new destination for MICE tourism.

Long Hai commune in Ho Chi Minh City is emerging with the advantage of pristine beaches, developed resort infrastructure, and great potential to break through in the MICE tourism segment.

"The second gateway" to tourism in the South.

Not as bustling as Vung Tau, nor as far as Phan Thiet or Nha Trang, Long Hai commune (Ho Chi Minh City) is emerging as a "second gateway" to Southern tourism. Just over 90 minutes from the city center, visitors can enter a vast expanse of blue sea, breathe in the gentle breeze, and enjoy a much more tranquil pace of life than the country's largest city.

Amidst the strong transformation of Vietnam's tourism industry, especially the trend of combining conferences, resorts, and events, Long Hai possesses natural advantages and a prime location for breakthrough growth.

Besides attracting short-term tourists, the area is also considered one of the most promising destinations for the MICE segment – ​​a group of high-spending tourists who stay for extended periods and have demanding requirements for service quality.

Long Hai Beach. (Photo: Dang Khoa)

MICE tourism (Meetings - Incentives - Conferences - Exhibitions) is a "gold mine" for many countries due to its ability to generate large, stable, and high-quality revenue. MICE clients are business groups, partners, distributors, employee reward groups, etc., who not only need a venue for conferences but also want to combine leisure, experiences, and team bonding.

According to many experts, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourists spend six times more than regular tourists. European tourists spend approximately $700-$1,000 per day, while Asian tourists spend over $400, generating significant revenue for localities that know how to capitalize on this segment.

The World Tourism Organization forecasts that by 2025, global MICE tourism revenue will exceed $1.4 trillion, with Europe and Asia-Pacific being the two fastest-growing markets.

In Vietnam, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourists account for an average of 15-20% of the total number of tourists from travel companies, and can even reach 60% for larger companies during peak season. This is a demanding customer base, but in return, it brings significant economic value, requiring accommodation, services, and event spaces to meet high standards.

Ho Chi Minh City is currently the hub for major events in the South. However, large cities often need a nearby "resort satellite" to meet the needs of combining meetings and relaxation after work. In this context, Long Hai stands out as a prime choice: close enough for convenient travel, yet peaceful enough to be the perfect place for rejuvenation.

Long Hai seems to be "specifically designed" for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

Long Hai is only about 90 minutes from the center of Ho Chi Minh City and about 45 minutes after Long Thanh International Airport becomes operational. This is an ideal distance for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) visitors, especially business delegations from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, South Korea, Japan, or other international markets with flights to Long Thanh.

The second advantage is its pristine coastal landscape. Unlike the crowded beaches in the center of Vung Tau, Long Hai retains its characteristic rustic charm: long stretches of sand, blue water, calm waves, gentle breezes, and a moderate level of construction. This space is ideal for team building activities, outdoor events, gala parties, or corporate culture building programs.

A view of Long Hai commune from above. (Photo: Quang Vu)

Long Hai boasts not only the sea but is also situated at the foot of Minh Dam Mountain, a special historical site deeply connected to the revolutionary traditions of the former Ba Ria - Vung Tau province. The combination of forest and sea creates a rare landscape, ideal for trekking, sightseeing, nature experiences, or small-group internal activities.

Along the Nuoc Ngot Pass, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the region, visitors can enjoy relaxing activities, take photos, and explore nature. In addition, there are cultural and spiritual destinations such as Dinh Co Temple – which attracts millions of visitors every year, complementing the cultural and experiential programs for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourists.

In recent years, many large-scale resort projects have emerged in Long Hai, creating a new landscape for local tourism. The presence of high-end resorts, integrated resort complexes, modern convention centers, etc., is gradually completing the necessary service chain to welcome MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourists.

A major advantage of Long Hai is that it has preserved its pristine landscape with a relatively low building density. This creates a "soft advantage" compared to many other coastal tourist destinations: a quiet enough space for meetings, beautiful enough for experiences, and private enough for business delegations.

Fresh air, abundant greenery, and tranquility provide an ideal foundation for developing wellness tourism – a rapidly growing trend worldwide. Long Hai has the advantage of becoming a destination for meditation, yoga, detox, spa treatments, and more, catering to groups combining business and wellness.

Vietnam's tourism industry is experiencing an impressive recovery. In the first seven months of the year alone, the country welcomed 12.2 million international visitors, an increase of over 22% compared to the same period last year. The majority of visitors arrived by air, a significant sign in the context of the upcoming operation of Long Thanh International Airport, opening up opportunities for global connectivity for Long Hai.

The main source markets include China, South Korea, Japan, Germany, and Australia... these groups of tourists have high spending power and particularly enjoy beach resort tourism.

The temple is dedicated to the Long Hai Goddess, a highly revered deity in the local people's beliefs.

According to Travel Off Path, Vietnam is becoming a prominent destination thanks to its unique combination of nature, culture, and local experiences. In this picture, Long Hai possesses all the elements that international tourists seek: beautiful beaches, a rich cultural heritage, pristine nature, and a slow-paced lifestyle.

Long Hai is poised for a golden opportunity to become a leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in the South. Its advantageous location, natural landscape, developing resort infrastructure, and the growing trend of conference and leisure tourism open the door to a strong breakthrough for the locality.

When Long Thanh International Airport becomes operational, Long Hai will not only be a weekend getaway for tourists from Ho Chi Minh City but could also become a destination for international business delegations, large-scale events, and professional MICE programs.

Hoang Tho

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/long-hai-diem-hen-moi-cua-du-lich-mice-ar988670.html