Transforming the management model to enhance the attractiveness of Vinh pedestrian street.

The number of customers has decreased.

April 2022,Vinh pedestrian streetAfter a period of investment and upgrades, Vinh City officially opened its pedestrian street in May 2023. This is the first pedestrian street in Nghe An province, carrying high expectations of becoming a highlight for tourism development, a driving force for nighttime economic growth, and a source of increased revenue for businesses along the street.

In fact, during its initial period of operation, Vinh pedestrian street attracted thousands of people who came to enjoy themselves and shop every night. It is estimated that during peak periods when major events are held, the pedestrian street receives between 10,000 and 20,000 visitors. A diverse range of cultural and artistic programs are organized, meeting the entertainment needs of people in Vinh City and other localities returning to the city each weekend.

However, according to reporters' observations, from mid-2024 to the present, Vinh pedestrian street has no longer maintained the lively and bustling atmosphere it once had. Most recently, on the evenings of November 15th and 16th (Friday and Saturday), the number of people visiting the pedestrian street decreased significantly. While Ho Tung Mau street maintained a stable number of visitors, Nguyen Van Cu and Nguyen Tai streets were deserted.

Ms. Nguyen Kim Dung, residing in Truong Thi Ward, Vinh City, said: "My house is near the pedestrian street, so since its opening, my family has come to the pedestrian street every weekend for fun. However, in recent months, the pedestrian street has not been able to maintain the same number of visitors as it did initially. Except for evenings with music programs featuring famous artists, or events organized by agencies, organizations, and businesses, the pedestrian street only sees an increase in visitors on weekdays, but it has gradually become deserted."

Due to the decrease in the number of visitors, the businesses of households along the pedestrian street have also been affected. According to statistics from the Pedestrian Street Management Board, the total number of fixed and mobile businesses on the sidewalks and Nguyen Tai Street in 2022 was 210, but now it is down to 112, a decrease of about 50% compared to the initial number.

A representative from the Vinh Pedestrian Street Management Board stated: There are several reasons why the number of visitors to the pedestrian street has decreased compared to the beginning. First and foremost is the limitation of attracting tourism to the city, with a low number of overnight visitors. In addition, street cultural and artistic programs aimed at attracting tourists and garnering social support are facing difficulties, while the budget for inviting art troupes and artists to perform remains limited.

Not to mention the unique weather patterns of hot sunshine and heavy rain in Nghe An, which also affect the operation process. There have been times when the pedestrian street had to be temporarily closed due to rain or the impact of storms in the past...

Currently, among the four pedestrian streets, Ho Tung Mau street is considered to be operating relatively stably. The remaining pedestrian streets – Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Tai, and Alley 2 of Nguyen Van Cu connecting to Nguyen Trung Ngan – are operating at a limited capacity. Regarding Nguyen Tai street specifically, residents of Block 2, Truong Thi Ward, have petitioned to remove it from the pedestrian zone, as its operation has been ineffective since its opening.

Transforming the management model

At the end of October 2024, the People's Committee of Vinh City held a meeting to review the first two years of operation of the pedestrian street. During this meeting, in addition to highlighting positive aspects, the People's Committee of Truong Thi Ward, the Pedestrian Street Management Board, and the units responsible for the street's operation also frankly pointed out shortcomings throughout the operational process.

These include the fact that some members of the city-level pedestrian street management board are less involved, mainly delegating the operation entirely to the Truong Thi ward People's Committee; the activities on Nguyen Tai street are not effective; there is a lack of a fixed stage for organizing events; and cultural, artistic, and entertainment activities are monotonous, not diverse, or attractive.

The repair and upgrading of decorative lighting systems and spotlights are progressing slowly. Sound and light effects at night are lacking. The maintenance of landscaping at the four main checkpoints has not been given sufficient attention; coordination in addressing illegal parking has not been focused or resolved effectively; and handling vehicles after checkpoint closures is difficult due to insufficient and vague regulations…

Mr. Tran Quang Lam, Vice Chairman of the Vinh City People's Committee, stated: After two years of operation, Vinh City's pedestrian street has become a familiar destination for locals and tourists returning to Nghe An every weekend. However, alongside the achievements, Vinh City's pedestrian street also faces certain difficulties. Therefore, the city has decided to develop a plan to transform the management and operation model of the pedestrian street towards collaboration with businesses, rather than relying entirely on the government and functional forces as in the past.

Previously, Truong Thi ward was primarily responsible for the pedestrian street activities, but this responsibility has now been transferred to the Vinh City Cultural, Sports and Communication Center. This unit is tasked with developing weekly cultural and artistic activity plans; and encouraging organizations and individuals to participate in cultural and artistic activities on the pedestrian street, such as dance groups, folk singing (Vi and Giam styles), lion dances, costume parades, street music groups, roller skating, jump rope, duet performances, and street singing.

In addition, the Center coordinates with the Pedestrian Street Management Board to inspect, handle, and rectify spontaneous and unregistered cultural and artistic activities. Weekly plans are developed and staff are assigned to directly participate in organizing activities.

The city of Vinh also directed the Project Management Board to survey and advise the city's leaders on investing in pedestrian street components such as infrastructure, decorative lighting, and to research the addition of LED screens, lighting systems, and photo and check-in points to serve people visiting the pedestrian street. In addition, the city will strengthen connections with universities, colleges, travel agencies, and businesses to coordinate cultural activities and promote the city's product brands on the pedestrian street…

For businesses operating on the pedestrian street, in addition to the usual snacks and beverages, Vinh City will strengthen linkages to add stalls selling regional specialties and OCOP products from Nghe An province to diversify products, increase attractiveness, and promote Nghe An's specialties.