Linking for Tourism Development

The tourism development cooperation program among the 8 expanded Northwest provinces—Phu Tho, Dien Bien, Ha Giang, Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Son La, Yen Bai—and Ho Chi Minh City has been effective in enhancing competitive advantages, creating promotional strength, and advancing joint destination promotion. This has attracted investment and promoted economic and social development across regions. By proactively investing in infrastructure upgrades, improving quality, refreshing products, and developing distinctive local tourism offerings, these regions have increasingly drawn domestic and international visitors to Phu Tho and the other partner provinces.

With its rich and diverse tourism resources, featuring unique characteristics, Phu Tho and the partner provinces have invested in upgrading specialized tourism products over the years. They have developed new tourism products based on their strengths, differences, and market competitiveness, and have promoted the exploitation of tour products connecting the provinces in the group.

Additionally, efforts have been made to enhance communication, introduce, and promote linked tourism tours to travelers and travel agencies across the North, Central, and South regions. This has included gradually implementing effective tourism tours connecting the expanded Northwest provinces and Ho Chi Minh City, in accordance with the joint cooperation agreements: “To the Land of Ancestors – The Cradle of Ethnic Groups,” “The Epic of the Northwest,” and "The High Region’s Aromas."

Developing several new tourist tours to attract visitors, such as: Visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites; Hanoi - Moc Chau - Huaphan (Lao People’s Democratic Republic); trekking tourism products such as: Climbing the summit of Bach Moc Luong Tu, the ancient Pa Vi stone road on the route connecting Sang Ma Sao, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province - Sin Suoi Ho, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province; developing an inter-provincial tour product “One Road, 5 Destinations”...

In the first 6 months of the year, the province’s tourism revenue is estimated to reach 2,697 billion VND, a 13% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of tourists has risen significantly, with estimated lodging guests reaching 482,900, a 15% increase year-on-year. Among these, international lodging guests are estimated to be 5,470, a 16% increase compared to the same period last year.

Additionally, the provinces and cities in the cooperative group have enhanced the organization of cultural, sports, and tourism events to promote and enhance the local tourism image, diversify the experience activities, and attract domestic and international tourists through programs and event series such as: Hung Kings Temple Festival and the 2024 Land of Ancestors Cultural and Tourism Week; Ban Flower Festival and National Tourism Year 2024 in Dien Bien; International Culture, Tourism, and Cuisine Festival - Ha Giang; Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Day; VITM International Tourism Fair - Hanoi, and promoting tourism on digital platforms to meet the needs of various tourist groups.

Ms. Phung Thi Hoa Le, Director of the Department of Tourism Management at the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, stated: As the head of the tourism development cooperation group for the 8 expanded Northwest provinces and Ho Chi Minh City in 2024, Phu Tho will continue to invest in upgrading and refreshing tourism products linked to culture at the Hung Kings Historical Relic Site, Thanh Thuy Hot Spring Resort, and Xuan Son National Park. The province will also develop and recognize the Bạch Hạc Community Cultural Tourism Site, the Đền Mẫu Âu Cơ Cultural Tourism Site, and create the Hung Lo Community Cultural Tourism Site, which will include agricultural experiences and traditional craft production. Additionally, a historical education tourism product for students will be launched through the interactive game application Outing Trip App “Searching for Artifacts” at the Hung Kings Museum.

Phuong Thanh