Developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector

Phu Tho is shaping a new development vision to become a “new tourism growth pole” for the Northern Midlands and Mountainous region. With the goal of turning tourism into a spearhead economic sector, the province has introduced a series of specific, practical solutions to promote sustainable tourism, generate employment, and increase local incomes, thereby contributing significantly to provincial economic growth.

Tam Dao Tourist Area continues to attract large numbers of both domestic and international visitors.

Development space planning

Phu Tho now boasts a rich array of well-known destinations following recent administrative mergers. These include Hung King Temple, Tam Dao, Tay Thien, Dai Lai, Xuan Son National Park, and Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant. The province offers diverse tourism experiences such as ecotourism, resort and wellness tourism, cultural and spiritual tourism, festivals, community-based tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and agricultural experience tours. On this foundation, many new tours and routes have been introduced, attracting increasing numbers of visitors. Popular options include the one-day tour to conquer the three peaks of Tam Dao, the “Spiritual Road” tour (Thanh Lanh Ngoc Boi – Ban Long Waterfall), the Van Truc – Bo Lac Lake – Sang Son route, and the Hai Luu Stork Garden eco-tourism site.

In just the first six months of 2025, Phu Tho welcomed over 11.5 million visitors, including more than 520,000 international arrivals. Total tourism revenue was estimated at VND 9,200 billion. The province aims to reach VND 14,800 billion in tourism and service revenue by the end of 2025, representing a 10–11% increase compared to 2024. By 2030, Phu Tho targets over 17.5 million visitors annually, including 7.3 million overnight guests, generating more than VND 24,000 billion in revenue, with an average annual growth rate exceeding 10%. The sector is projected to create over 60,000 direct jobs and contribute more than 10% to the province’s GRDP.

To realize these goals, Phu Tho has developed a strategic spatial plan for tourism, centering on key hubs such as the Hung King Temple Historical Site, Tam Dao Tourist Area, Tay Thien Scenic Area, Dai Lai Tourist Area, Thanh Thuy Hot Spring Area, Xuan Son National Park, Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, and Dai Lai Lake. These areas are designated for high-quality tourism development. The Tam Dao National Tourist Area alone spans more than 10,723 hectares, encompassing the Tam Dao National Park administrative zone (5,399 hectares), the Tam Dao foothills (4,561.5 hectares), the Tay Thien Scenic Area (477.6 hectares), and the Tam Dao tourist center (284.9 hectares).

In addition to these core areas, the province is investing in the development of Lang Ha Lake and the Bac Ngoc Thanh, Dong Cau, Xa Huong, Thanh Lanh, Van Truc, Bo Lac, and Ban Long waterfall tourism sites. Golf course projects in the former Vinh Phuc province are expected to complete a resort ecosystem that includes hotels, villas, and entertainment zones. During the 2021–2030 period, the province plans to invest in 13 additional golf courses to diversify its tourism offerings. The formation of tourism development belts and centers, including a northern urban resort belt, is a key part of the strategy. A standout vision is the creation of a distinctive tourism belt along the Tam Dao range, connecting Van Truc Lake, the Lo River, Hoa Binh’s ecotourism spots, and Phu Tho’s spiritual and golf tourism hubs. This belt aims to foster regional linkages and promote resort-based tourism.

Breakthrough solutions

To further enhance tourism as a strategic economic pillar, Phu Tho has organized numerous conferences and launched projects to improve infrastructure and ecotourism products, especially within the province’s tourism centers such as Hung King Temple, Tam Dao, Tay Thien, Dai Lai, Thanh Thuy, and Hoa Binh Lake. These centers play a central role in attracting and distributing visitor flows to other areas. Additional routes and corridors, such as Hung King Temple to Tay Thien and the natural heritage axis including Tam Dao, Xuan Son, and Cuc Phuong national parks, as well as Hang Kia and Pa Co nature reserves, are being promoted to strengthen tourism linkages between Phu Tho and other regional destinations like Hanoi, Viet Tri, Tam Dao, and Hoa Binh.

The former Vinh Phuc province currently has 40 tourism-related investment projects with a total registered capital exceeding VND 21,162 billion. Of this, VND 11,336 billion has already been implemented, achieving 55% of the committed capital.

Phu Tho is implementing a range of breakthrough solutions to elevate tourism into a true economic spearhead. These include offering corporate income tax incentives for tourism investment projects in accordance with current regulations. Tax exemptions and reductions are being applied to souvenir producers in traditional craft villages that serve tourists. Additionally, international tourism businesses are entitled to enjoy preferential policies similar to those of export-oriented sectors.

The province is also encouraging investment through facilitated access to land and accelerated site clearance procedures. Priority is being given to the development of transport infrastructure that connects key tourism sites and hubs. Ancillary facilities to serve tourists are being upgraded and newly constructed to meet increasing demand and rising quality expectations.

In parallel, the province is strengthening the organization of cultural and tourism events, intensifying promotional efforts, and introducing the unique cultural values of Phu Tho to a wider audience. Tourism businesses are being supported to participate in national and provincial promotional programs. Efforts are also being made to build a dynamic and professional workforce that can adapt to changing circumstances and meet the evolving needs of the tourism industry.

Phu Tho is determined to develop tourism under the guiding principles of “green, clean, friendly, and safe.” The province aspires to create a tourism brand that is modern, high-quality, distinctive, competitive, and reputable on a national scale. Tourism is envisioned not only as an attractive and differentiated sector but also as a driving force in the province’s socio-economic development in the years ahead.

Xuan Hung