Changing management model, increasing attraction for Vinh walking street

Number of visitors decreased

April 2022,Vinh walking streetwas put into trial operation after a period of investment and upgrading. In May 2023, Vinh City officially opened Vinh walking street, the first walking street in Nghe An province, with many expectations that it will be a highlight to develop tourism for the city, a spearhead for developing the night-time economy as well as increasing revenue for businesses on the streets.

In fact, during its first period of operation, Vinh walking street attracted thousands of people to come back to have fun and shop every night. It is estimated that during peak periods of major events, the walking street has from 10,000 to 20,000 visitors. Cultural and artistic programs are organized in a variety of ways, meeting the entertainment needs of Vinh city residents and other localities when returning to the city every weekend.

However, according to the reporter's records, from mid-2024 until now, Vinh walking street has not maintained the same bustling and bustling atmosphere as before. Most recently, on the evenings of November 15-16 (Friday and Saturday), the number of people coming to the walking street has decreased significantly. In particular, Ho Tung Mau street still maintains a stable number of visitors, in contrast, Nguyen Van Cu and Nguyen Tai streets are deserted.

Ms. Nguyen Kim Dung in Truong Thi Ward, Vinh City, said: My house is near the walking street, so since its opening, my family has been going to the walking street every weekend to have fun. However, in recent months, the walking street has not been able to maintain the same number of visitors as in the beginning. Except for nights when there are music programs gathering famous artists, or when agencies, organizations, and businesses organize events, the walking street has an increase in visitors, but on normal days it is gradually emptying out.

Due to the decrease in the number of visitors, the businesses of households on the walking street have also been affected. According to statistics from the Walking Street Management Board, the total number of fixed businesses on the sidewalk, mobile businesses and Nguyen Tai Street in 2022 was 210, now there are 112, a decrease of about 50% compared to the original number.

A representative of the Vinh Walking Street Management Board said: There are many reasons why the number of visitors to the walking street has decreased compared to the beginning. First of all, it is necessary to mention the limitations of attracting tourists in the city, the number of visitors staying is still low. In addition, cultural and street art programs to attract tourists to call for socialization are also facing difficulties, while the budget to invite art troupes and artists to perform is still limited.

Not to mention the typical hot and rainy weather in Nghe An also affects the operation process, there are times when the walking street has to be temporarily closed due to rain, or affected by storms in recent times...

Currently, of the four streets of the walking street, Ho Tung Mau street is considered to be operating relatively stably, while the remaining walking streets, Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Tai and alley 2 of Nguyen Van Cu street connecting Nguyen Trung Ngan street, are currently operating at a low level. Particularly for Nguyen Tai street, residents of block 2, Truong Thi ward have petitioned to remove this street from the walking street, because since its opening, it has not been operating effectively.

Transforming management model

At the end of October 2024, Vinh City People's Committee held a meeting to review 2 years of walking street operation. At this meeting, in addition to the positive aspects, Truong Thi Ward People's Committee, Walking Street Management Board, and units in charge of the street's operation also frankly pointed out the shortcomings during the operation process.

Some members of the City-level Walking Street Management Board rarely participate, mainly leaving the operation to the People's Committee of Truong Thi Ward; Nguyen Tai Street activities are not effective; There is a lack of a fixed stage to organize events; cultural, artistic, recreational and entertainment activities are monotonous, not diverse and attractive.

The repair and addition of decorative electrical systems, backlights... are still slow. The sound and light effects at night are still lacking. The care of ornamental plants at the 4 main checkpoints has not been focused on; The coordination to handle illegal parking has not been focused on and resolved thoroughly; Handling cars after closing the checkpoint is difficult, the regulations are not strict and specific...

Mr. Tran Quang Lam - Vice Chairman of Vinh City People's Committee, said: After 2 years of operation, Vinh City walking street has become a familiar destination for people and tourists when returning to Nghe An every weekend. However, besides the achievements, Vinh City walking street also encountered certain difficulties. Therefore, the city has decided to develop a plan to convert the management and operation model of the walking street towards linking with businesses, not completely dependent on the government and functional forces as in the past.

Previously, Truong Thi ward was mainly responsible for the walking street activities, now transferred to the Vinh City Culture - Sports and Communications Center. This unit is responsible for developing weekly cultural and artistic activity scenarios; calling on organizations and individuals to participate in cultural and artistic activities on the walking street such as dance groups, folk songs, lion dance, cosplay, traveling groups, roller skating, rope jumping, pairing, street singing...

At the same time, the Center coordinates with the Walking Street Management Board to inspect, handle and rectify spontaneous and unregistered cultural and artistic activities. Every week, scenarios are developed and staff are assigned to directly participate in organizing the activities.

Vinh City also directed the Project Management Board to survey and advise the city leaders to invest in walking street items such as infrastructure systems, decorative lights, research to add LED screens, lighting systems and photo spots, check-in to serve people when coming to the walking street. In addition, the city will strengthen connections with universities, colleges and travel companies, businesses to coordinate in organizing cultural activities, promoting the city's product brands in the walking street...

For business activities on the walking street, in addition to the usual snacks and drinks, Vinh city will strengthen connections to add more stalls of regional specialties, OCOP of Nghe An to diversify products, both increasing attraction and promoting Nghe An specialties.