Southern Localities Preparing for Tourism Upswing in 2024
HCM City – The tourism sector in the southeastern and Mekong Delta regions of Vietnam is gearing up for a promising future in 2024. After experiencing an impressive recovery in 2023, these localities are now focusing on solidifying their tourism brand, developing attractive offerings, and improving professional services.
In 2023, the southeastern localities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Tay Ninh, generated over 180.56 trillion VND (7.35 billion USD) from hosting more than 65.3 million tourist arrivals. This marked a significant increase of 22% and 18% in tourist arrivals and tourism revenue, respectively, compared to the previous year.
Ho Chi Minh City played a pivotal role in driving the tourism sector’s success last year. The city organized numerous vibrant tourism events and festivals, such as the Vietnamese Tet festival, Ao Dai festival, and River festival, providing unique and memorable experiences for visitors.
Ba Ria-Vung Tau, known for its strength in resort and cultural tourism, and Tay Ninh, blessed with stunning natural landscapes, also witnessed robust growth in tourism revenue.
Notably, the Mekong Delta region impressed visitors with its exceptional cultural, spiritual, and eco-tourism products. All the localities in the region maintained their appeal, with the number of arrivals and tourism earnings continuing to rise.
Looking ahead to 2024, the tourism sector in the southern localities has outlined specific measures to further attract visitors.
Ho Chi Minh City plans to collaborate with localities nationwide to diversify tourism offerings while prioritizing the improvement of healthcare, waterway, golf, and community-based tourism. The city will organize various tourism promotion events and programs to introduce its destinations to potential key markets.
Meanwhile, Ba Ria-Vung Tau will launch a project to diversify tourism models, aiming to create added value and enhance the province’s tourism brand. The focus will be on attracting more tourists, encouraging extended stays, and creating captivating night-time tourism experiences. This year, night-time tourism models highlighting local products and services will be developed in Xuyen Moc and Con Dao districts, as well as in Vung Tau and Ba Ria cities. By 2030, night entertainment complexes will be established, contributing to the promotion of high-quality and sustainable tourism.
Kien Giang province’s Department of Tourism has set its sights on welcoming 9.2 million tourist arrivals in 2024 and aiming to generate 20 trillion VND (814.3 million USD) from tourism services. To achieve this, the province will focus on developing high-quality accommodations, top-notch eco-resorts, entertainment zones, and improving service quality. Moreover, it will emphasize community-based tourism, traditional craft, and One Commune One Product (OCOP) products to offer diverse and attractive experiences for visitors.
In Bac Lieu province, with a target of 4.9 million visitors, efforts will be concentrated on enhancing service quality in several tourist destinations and attracting investments in the Tac Say tourism site and the Lap Dien bird sanctuary. Additionally, the province plans to leverage its traditional crafts and agricultural production to create unique tourism products.
The southern localities are gearing up for an exciting year ahead, as they strive to enhance their tourism offerings and attract more visitors. With increased investments, focus on quality, and the development of unique experiences, these regions are well-positioned to flourish in 2024 and beyond.
