Promoting cooperation in developing tourism in the Northwest

The Northwest has long been known as a land rich in identity, with majestic natural landscapes and diverse cultural treasures. Hoang Lien Son range with Fansipan peak, Muong Hoa valley, Moc Chau plateau or Muong Thanh fields have become attractive destinations. In addition, the festivals and unique customs of the Mong, Thai, Dao, Ha Nhi, Tay ethnic groups... create a different attraction compared to many other regions.

Over the years , tourism promotion and marketing activities between the expanded Northwest provinces and Ho Chi Minh City have been consistently implemented.

Over the years, the expanded Northwest tourism development cooperation program has made a significant impact through joint products such as: the "Tourism to the Roots" tour, the Northwest Quintessence Festival, and the annual tourism fair. The development of a common brand identity with the slogan "Take the path less travel - Choose the pristine trail" has also contributed to enhancing competitiveness and promoting the image of the Northwest to international friends.

According to statistics, in the first six months of 2025, the expanded Northwest provinces welcomed nearly 23 million visitors, with total tourism revenue estimated at over 135,512 billion VND. These figures demonstrate the growing appeal of this region with rich potential.

While the Northwest region is considered a "pristine land," Ho Chi Minh City is the most vibrant tourism and commercial center in the country, playing a crucial role as a gateway for receiving and distributing international tourists. Strengthening linkages between the two regions is seen as a strategic step to leverage their complementary strengths: Ho Chi Minh City brings tourists to the Northwest, while the Northwest provides unique tourism products, enriching the travel experience. Since 2020, a cooperation agreement for tourism development between Ho Chi Minh City and eight expanded Northwest provinces has been signed, yielding many positive results. Numerous promotional programs have been jointly organized in Hanoi , Da Nang, and Can Tho, helping to expand markets, promote products, and strengthen connections between travel businesses.

A delegation from Lao Cai province is conducting a tourism survey in Yunnan (China) in 2024.

Furthermore, with its abundant natural resources, convenient location, and the coexistence of over 25 ethnic groups, Yunnan is currently one of China's most vibrant tourism hubs. In 2024, Yunnan welcomed over 50 million tourists, with Vietnamese visitors increasing by approximately 20% compared to the previous year. After the Covid-19 pandemic, Yunnan became a popular destination, accounting for up to 40% of the total number of Vietnamese tourists traveling to China during peak seasons. This shows that attracting even a small portion of tourists from Yunnan would create significant growth opportunities for tourism in Northwest Vietnam and the rest of the country.

The international cycling race "One Race - Two Countries" between Lao Cai, Vietnam and Honghe, China always leaves a lasting impression each time it is held.

With such potential, many bilateral tourism cooperation activities have been implemented, such as: the international cycling race "One Race - Two Countries", and the "Two Countries - Six Destinations" tour connecting Kunming - Hekou - Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh. These are new transnational products that contribute to strengthening friendly relations.

Mr. Tran Son Binh, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, delivered a speech at the Conference on promoting and developing tourism in the Northwest region - Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr. Tran Son Binh, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, affirmed: “Yunnan is not only a potential market but also a market that absolutely must be connected to. Cooperation and linkages in tourism with Yunnan will contribute to bringing Vietnam-China cooperation to a new level, diversifying products and affirming the position of Northwest tourism on the regional map.”

Localities in the expanded Northwest provinces have also agreed on several key solutions to promote tourism cooperation between the parties. First, they aim to expand linkages to connect markets, products, and promotional activities. Based on this, they will study upgrading the "Two Countries - Six Destinations" program to "Two Countries - Many Destinations," with the participation of the expanded Northwest provinces, Ho Chi Minh City, and Yunnan. In addition, the development of a clear and synchronized coordination mechanism is also emphasized to ensure in-depth and effective cooperation. Bilateral and multilateral tourism promotion activities will be organized annually in both Vietnam and China, contributing to market expansion and attracting international tourists.

Dounan Flower Market is an attractive destination for Vietnamese tourists visiting China.

According to experts, tripartite tourism linkages not only bring economic benefits but also help build a common brand, avoid product duplication, and enhance competitiveness. In the context of the growing popularity of green and sustainable tourism, close cooperation between Northwest Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, and Yunnan will contribute to the development of unique products that are both attractive to tourists and environmentally friendly.

Mr. Tran Son Binh further emphasized: "Effective linkages and cooperation will contribute to promoting the development of new products, building the tourism brand of Northwest Vietnam, and at the same time opening up new development spaces, potential and advantages for the entire region."

With its many attractive destinations, the Northwest region of Vietnam promises to strongly attract tourists from other areas.

With its existing potential and the determination of the localities, the Northwest - Ho Chi Minh City - Yunnan tourism linkage program promises to open up strong development opportunities and make an important contribution to the overall development of Vietnam's tourism industry.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/thuc-day-hop-tac-phat-trien-du-lich-tay-bac-post883372.html