"Redrawing the map" of tourism for a breakthrough.

Experts believe that Lam Dong's tourism is diverse and rich in multi-sensory experiences, but to avoid overlap and fragmentation, it needs a more specific and clear system to "understand" and "connect" with each tourist...

Vibrant tourism activities take place in Lam Dong's blue sea. Photo: Dinh Hoa

We must "understand" the customer.

At a recent forum on tourism promotion and cooperation organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Nguyen Van Loc, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that Lam Dong's tourism remains low-cost on Vietnam's tourism map. The challenge is how to encourage tourists to stay longer and spend more in Lam Dong.

Dr. Phan Bao Giang, Vice Rector and Head of the Tourism Faculty at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance, stated that Lam Dong province possesses many advantages, particularly its two long-established and renowned tourist centers, Phan Thiet and Da Lat. He referred to these as "inherent assets" that existed before the merger. With the largest land area in the country, Lam Dong needs to develop a comprehensive strategy for its tourism industry, especially in the context of increasingly diverse types, products, and services.

“The tourism industry needs to develop a comprehensive strategy based on the advantages of its diverse product offerings. In the age of technology, analyzing consumer behavior helps us understand customer desires and build a data repository for deeper exploitation. This data not only serves tourism but also benefits many other industries,” shared Dr. Phan Bao Giang.

The gong culture of the K'ho ethnic group in Lam Dong

Sharing the same view, Mr. Tran Van Tan, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial Tourism Association, believes that with a clear customer data system, it is possible to understand tourism trends and customer sentiments, thereby providing a general development direction for the tourism industry. Simultaneously, the tourism industry can analyze and systematize existing resources as well as resources that need to be developed in the future to meet the ever-changing needs of customers.

“Tourist destinations like Da Lat and Phan Thiet are hundreds of years old, world-renowned, and deeply ingrained in the consciousness of locals and tourists alike. Beauty also needs a name. The names Da Lat and Phan Thiet need to be preserved,” Mr. Tan emphasized.

Every tourist is a tourism ambassador.

In the first nine months of 2025, Lam Dong province is expected to welcome 15.25 million tourists, an increase of 17.58% compared to the same period in 2024. According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in recent times, promotion and advertising efforts have been intensified through the digitalization of destinations, international cooperation, and participation in major domestic and international events. Simultaneously, investment in and diversification of tourism types and products have enhanced the province's attractiveness, meeting the increasingly high demands of domestic and international tourists.

Mr. Vo Anh Tuan, Director of Vietravel Tourism Joint Stock Company, Lam Dong branch, believes that to leave a lasting impression on customers, it's necessary to create a full range of "touchpoints": sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. For service industries like tourism, meeting customer needs is crucial. Furthermore, for sustainable development in tourism, and all other industries in general, it must be linked to the interests of local people. Locals should have the opportunity to promote their products and culture, thereby creating the unique character of each locality and enhancing the attractive experience for tourists.

Tourists experience nature at Ta Dung Lake.

At the forum, Associate Professor Pham Thi Huyen, Deputy Head of the Marketing Department at the National Economics University in Hanoi and a leading expert in tourism marketing, stated that Lam Dong's tourism products, while diverse, are fragmented and overlapping across different localities. To develop new tourism products in Lam Dong, there needs to be a connection between tourism investors and, more broadly, between tourism regions to create diverse and colorful itineraries that possess unique characteristics and distinctive features.

Associate Professor Pham Thi Huyen emphasized the need to boost promotion on digital platforms and consider each visitor to Lam Dong as a tourism ambassador. Therefore, the tourism industry must provide a complete experience for tourists, engaging all five senses. At the same time, the joint efforts of the government and businesses play a crucial role in building sustainable and high-quality tourism in Lam Dong.

Transforming the mindset of tourism.

Lam Dong province's tourism industry aims to attract over 23 million visitors in 2025. According to Mr. Nguyen Van Loc, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to achieve this target, the province's tourism sector will continue to develop its night-time economy and promote digital transformation in tourism. Simultaneously, it will stimulate demand through preferential packages and collaborate with airlines, railways, and travel agencies to create attractive tourism products.

Photo: Anh Nguyet

In recent years, many new products and destinations have emerged, such as: coastal beaches and amusement parks (Circus Land, Wonderland, Dino Park...), fruit orchards, agricultural farms, traditional craft villages; unique ecotourism destinations in the highland areas... Key and potential tourism types such as: resort tourism, water sports; ecotourism, community tourism, agricultural tourism (agriculture), forest-sea-sand dune tourism; cultural-spiritual-festival tourism; adventure sports tourism; MICE tourism; island exploration tourism (especially the route to Phu Quy Island); health and wellness tourism… have been developed synchronously.

However, the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism believes that the tourism industry needs to change its mindset and focus on overcoming inherent weaknesses. Instead of just focusing on counting the number of visitors, it is necessary to improve the quality of services and competitiveness. Therefore, "redrawing the map" of Lam Dong province's tourism is essential to awaken the potential in all three areas: Da Lat, Phan Thiet, and Gia Nghia, while also bringing more events to the region.

In addition, the department will coordinate with localities and businesses operating in the tourism sector to strengthen the connection of tours within and outside the province; develop unique and distinctive tourism products; and propose feasible solutions to develop Lam Dong tourism in a green, sustainable direction and in close connection with the community.

"Redrawing the tourism map" of Lam Dong province is necessary to unlock the potential in all three areas: Da Lat, Phan Thiet, and Gia Nghia.
Mr. Nguyen Van Loc - Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/ve-lai-ban-do-du-lich-de-but-pha-393509.html