Binh Thuan: “Runway” for taking off tourism

Specific objectives, policy directions, and timely strategic solutions have created favorable conditions for Binh Thuan tourism to take off. Creating a runway Returning to the year 2019, at that time Binh Thuan tourism welcomed over 6.4 million visitors, with revenue of 15,000 billion VND; in 2020, it welcomed 3.2 million visitors, with revenue of 9,400 billion VND; and by 2021, there were only 1.7 million visitors with revenue of over 4,000 billion VND. Comparing these figures, it can be seen that Binh Thuan tourism has been heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

How to recover and develop the tourism industry? It is a difficult problem but requires a satisfactory solution. In response to this practical requirement, on October 24, 2021, the Binh Thuan Provincial Party Committee issued Resolution 06 on tourism development until 2025, with a vision towards 2030, with the highest determination to overcome difficulties for the tourism industry and open up a new development phase with many expectations. Resolution 06 sets the strategic direction for developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector, a pillar of socio-economic development of the province; building Mui Ne National Tourism Area into one of the leading destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

To achieve these goals, the Binh Thuan Provincial Party Committee has requested a review and adjustment of integrated tourism development planning in the provincial master plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision towards 2050. In which, the planning will redefine the spatial development of tourism in some coastal areas and potential areas to attract investment in resort tourism projects, high-end entertainment areas.

The resolution has also proposed specific solutions to support tourism businesses in recovering and developing in the context of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The timely implementation of the Resolution serves as a leverage for the tourism industry to overcome challenges and unleash its potential and strengths, contributing to the development of the province. After more than 2 years of implementation, the important contents of Resolution 06 have been carried out with urgency and determination.

The entire political system of the Party,  government, organizations, people, and businesses in the province have joined hands and made efforts to create momentum for the development of tourism. All these determined actions have created a new face for Binh Thuan’s tourism industry, as evidenced by impressive figures such as an average annual increase of 16.28% in tourist arrivals (including an average annual increase of 2.07 times for international tourists and 14.8% for domestic tourists).

The revenue from tourism activities has increased by an average of 16.56% per year. In 2022, the province welcomed 5.7 million visitors (of which international visitors accounted for about 1.5%); the revenue from tourism activities reached 13.7 billion VND, contributing 7.04% to the province’s GRDP. In 2023 (as of October 2023), the province welcomed 7.3 million visitors (of which international visitors accounted for about 2.9%); the revenue from tourism activities reached 18.8 billion VND, contributing approximately 8.77% to the province’s GRDP.

Especially, for the first time, Binh Thuan ranked among the top 9 leading localities nationwide in terms of tourism revenue for the first 6 months of 2023, with revenue exceeding 10,000 billion VND. The target of welcoming nearly 7 million visitors in 2023 was achieved ahead of schedule, exceeding the annual plan by 3.93% and increasing by 75.8% compared to the same period.

Moreover, in 2023, Binh Thuan hosted the National Tourism Year 2023 with the theme “Binh Thuan - Convergence of Green”. Binh Thuan has organized numerous activities and events that have taken place throughout the province and extended to 41 provinces and cities nationwide. These events have received active participation and created a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere among the local people and tourists. This paves the way for the next phase.”

To get closer and achieve the goals set out in Resolution 06, Binh Thuan will implement the completion of tourism development planning - Focus on completing and organizing the implementation of the General Planning for Mui Ne National Tourism Area until 2040, with a vision until 2050; Successfully organize the remaining activities in the National Tourism Year 2023. In addition, urgently complete the construction and organize the implementation of the Night-time Economic Development Project of the province until 2030. Build and develop the Binh Thuan tourism ecosystem towards the criteria of “Safety - Friendliness - Quality”.

In addition, Binh Thuan will improve infrastructure, attract investment, diversify development, and enhance the quality of tourism products. Specifically, focus on investing in the completion of infrastructure systems to serve tourism development: Phan Thiet Airport (civil aviation category), transportation routes, wave barriers, water supply and drainage systems, wastewater treatment systems, centralized waste treatment… creating a favorable environment for attracting and implementing tourism projects. At the same time, call for investment in the development of new and attractive tourism services, especially investment in large-scale projects, high-end entertainment centers, and shopping centers to serve tourism development. Improve the quality and diversify tourism products and services, and pay attention to the development of tourism human resources in terms of quality and quantity.

It can be said that the results achieved after 2 years of implementing Resolution 06 on tourism development until 2025, with a vision until 2030 issued by the Provincial Party Committee’s Executive Committee, Binh Thuan tourism is heading towards the future with the confidence of a national and international destination.