Phu Tho Approves Tourism Development Plan for 2026–2030

The Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee has issued Decision No. 2299/QD-UBND, approving the Phu Tho Tourism Development Plan for the 2026–2030 period, which aims to establish tourism as a key economic sector, welcome at least 20 million visitors by 2030, and position Phu Tho as Vietnam’s national centre for cultural and festival tourism.

The plan affirms that the merger of the former provinces of Phu Tho, Hoa Binh and Vinh Phuc has ushered the newly established Phu Tho Province into an important new historical phase. With abundant natural resources and rich cultural heritage, the province possesses outstanding advantages for tourism development. The plan is intended to implement the Resolution of the First Provincial Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term, accelerate the restructuring of the tourism industry, sustain stronger economic growth and transform tourism into a genuine pillar of the provincial economy, contributing to sustainable development.

Its overarching goal is to build a comprehensive tourism ecosystem with diversified products, high-quality services and strong competitiveness. By 2030, Phu Tho aspires to become Vietnam’s national centre for cultural and festival tourism, a premier venue for major cultural, tourism and festival events with nationwide and international influence, and a leading destination in northern Vietnam for spiritual, cultural, ecological and resort tourism. The province aims to develop tourism under the brand identity “Quality Services – Distinctive Products – Sustainable Efficiency,” while creating a tourism environment that is safe, friendly, authentic and attractive.

The plan sets specific targets for 2030, including welcoming at least 20 million visitors, of whom approximately 7.8 million will be overnight guests, representing an average annual growth rate of at least 7%. Total tourism revenue is projected to reach VND 26.5 trillion, with average annual revenue growth of 12.5%.

The province also aims to expand its tourism accommodation capacity to more than 22,000 guest rooms, including 13 four- and five-star hotels providing around 2,250 rooms, while creating employment for at least 30,000 direct and indirect workers.

Beyond economic growth, tourism is expected to contribute to preserving and promoting cultural heritage, creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities, supporting the successful implementation of national target programmes, and improving education and quality of life.

Environmental sustainability is another key objective. By 2030, all tourist attractions, accommodation establishments and tourism-related service providers are expected to eliminate the use of single-use plastics and non-biodegradable plastic bags, contributing to environmental protection and effective climate change adaptation.

The plan also recognises tourism’s contribution to safeguarding national defence, maintaining security and ensuring social order.

Phu Tho will work to complete the necessary requirements for Dai Lai Lake Tourism Area and Hoa Binh Lake Tourism Area to be recognised as National Tourism Areas. The province also aims to secure provincial-level recognition for one or two tourism areas, including Thanh Thuy Hot Spring Tourism Area and Van Son Highland Tourism Area, while gradually investing in and completing the criteria required for Xuan Son National Park Tourism Area to achieve National Tourism Area status in the next development phase. In addition, 100% of officially recognised tourist destinations in the province will be digitally mapped and equipped with digital information services for visitors.

To achieve these objectives, the plan identifies eight strategic solutions: strengthening leadership, awareness and accountability for tourism development; developing breakthrough policies and mobilising resources for tourism investment; expanding tourism infrastructure and establishing competitive tourism centres; developing skilled human resources, tourism enterprises and local communities; creating high-quality, distinctive tourism products while diversifying visitor markets; improving the effectiveness of state management through science, technology, innovation, digital transformation and smart tourism; strengthening tourism promotion, branding and regional cooperation; and building a healthy tourism environment while protecting tourism resources and ensuring balanced benefits for all stakeholders.

The Provincial People’s Committee has assigned specific responsibilities to the Provincial Tourism Development Steering Committee, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Department of Finance, other relevant departments, agencies and local authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the plan.

Minh Chau