Adding more appeal to Binh Thuan as a tourist destination.

Việt Nam•20/08/2023

Developing the night-time economy in Binh Thuan is expected to become one of the new economic growth drivers for the locality, thereby contributing to increasing the attractiveness of this destination with its strengths in beach tourism...

High expectations

Binh Thuan is considered to have many favorable conditions for developing its night-time economy, following the general trend of popular tourist destinations on Vietnam's tourism map. In particular, this southernmost region of Central Vietnam possesses many natural landscapes, strengths in beach and island tourism with a system of high-class accommodation facilities, unique water sports and entertainment on sand dunes, diverse cuisine, and pleasant nighttime weather. Recently, the opening of the Dau Giay - Phan Thiet and Phan Thiet - Vinh Hao expressways has significantly shortened travel time for tourists to the area, and the Phan Thiet Airport is also expected to be completed soon.

Developing the night-time economy is expected to increase the attractiveness of Binh Thuan as a tourist destination (Illustrative image).

Regarding this issue, the plan for developing the night-time economy in Binh Thuan province until 2030 has been discussed and opinions gathered by the local authorities to finalize it before official implementation. This has been determined to be an inseparable part of the economy; therefore, developing the night-time economy in the province aims to boost consumption and tourism. This is especially true through focusing on the development of cultural, entertainment, and recreational services, including: cultural and artistic activities, music, entertainment programs, festivals, events, etc.; as well as food and beverage services (restaurants, bars), shopping services (at markets and shopping areas), and tourism (visiting tourist attractions, cultural relics, architectural works, etc.) that take place between 6 PM and 6 AM.

The launch of the Nighttime Economic Development Project in Binh Thuan province until 2030 also aims to strongly promote the development of nighttime economic activities in the locality, building Phan Thiet - Mui Ne and other tourist destinations into vibrant and attractive destinations. At the same time, it meets the needs of both locals and tourists for work, entertainment, shopping, culinary experiences, and nightlife. This will contribute to the strong development of services and tourism in the province, making it a leading sector and affirming it as one of the three economic pillars of Binh Thuan…

With many favorable factors, the promotion of the night-time economy is expected to directly impact the development of the tourism industry in particular and the socio-economic development of the province in general. Practical experience shows that developing the night-time economy in most popular tourist destinations, both domestic and international, provides opportunities and impetus for economic development, especially tourism. In the short term, it can bring economic benefits through job creation, urban reconstruction and development, encouragement of domestic consumption, extended length of stay, and increased spending by tourists. Therefore, the night-time economy not only contributes positively to the growth of the trade and service sector but also spreads to other sectors such as industry and agriculture through infrastructure development, investment promotion, and production growth.

Pilot program coming soon.

The development of the night-time economy in Binh Thuan aims to implement a pilot model in suitable areas within Phan Thiet City, La Gi town, and the districts of Phu Quy, Tuy Phong, Bac Binh, and Ham Thuan Nam during the 2023-2025 period. Following this, the 2026-2030 period will evaluate the results of night-time economic development in the pilot areas and finalize the orientation and model for Binh Thuan's night-time economic development. This will attract investment and develop projects serving the night-time economy, and involve surveying and identifying suitable locations and areas within the province for night-time economic development.

Presiding over a meeting on developing the night-time economy in Binh Thuan province in mid-August, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Hong Hai assigned Phan Thiet City to take the lead and coordinate with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Binh Thuan Tourism Association to strive to implement night-time economic products in the coastal tourist city in the fourth quarter of 2023. According to the plan, initial implementation could focus on the area along both sides of Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street - Ham Tien Ward (from Ca Ty Tourist Area to Saigon - Mui Ne Tourist Area) on weekends. In addition, a pilot model for developing the night-time economy in the central area of Phan Thiet City is also being considered, such as along the Nguyen Tat Thanh - Le Duan road axis or on both banks of the Ca Ty River (Pham Van Dong Street north of the river and Trung Trac Street south of the river). In areas with large-scale investment in nighttime economic activities, localities also allow pilot programs in some key tourist and resort areas that meet the criteria, such as NovaWorld Phan Thiet (Tien Thanh commune - Phan Thiet city), Thanh Long Bay resort complex (Tan Thanh commune - Ham Thuan Nam district), etc.

It is understood that products serving the night-time economic development model are oriented towards focusing on cultural and entertainment services such as the formation of large-scale entertainment areas, night markets, pedestrian streets, shows, bars, and nightclubs. Alternatively, it involves organizing distinctive night-time events such as light festivals, water shows, fireworks displays, and building separate, attractive night-time entertainment complexes. For food services, it involves creating specialized food streets, seafood markets, and coastal food spaces. For shopping services, it will attract investment in large-scale shopping malls and night markets showcasing the unique characteristics of each locality. Night-time tourism services will focus on diverse types of city tours, both by land and water, and organizing night tours at museums, historical and cultural sites, and major tourist areas.

Demonstrating determination, the People's Committee of Phan Thiet city, together with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Provincial Tourism Association, will coordinate preparations and are expected to pilot the model in the first month of the last quarter of this year. This is also the time when many vibrant events will take place in response to the National Tourism Year 2023 - Binh Thuan - Green Convergence and to celebrate Binh Thuan Tourism Day (October 24), marking the beginning of the peak season for welcoming international tourists… Through organizing diverse activities showcasing the local culture, Binh Thuan will increase its attractiveness and gradually meet all the entertainment, dining, sightseeing, and nighttime shopping needs of tourists during their vacation here.

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