Nghe An organizes a dialogue conference with tourism businesses.

On the afternoon of March 28th, in Vinh City,Nghe An Department of Culture, Sports and TourismOrganize a dialogue conference with tourism service businesses in the province.

In 2024, Nghe An's tourism sector achieved many remarkable results. The province welcomed 9.45 million visitors, including 5.93 million overnight stays and 120,500 international visitors. Total tourism revenue reached VND 28,569 billion, with tourism-related revenue accounting for VND 11,160 billion. However, Nghe An's tourism industry still faces many challenges such as a lack of distinctive tourism products, a low proportion of international visitors, weak human resources, a lack of large investors, and insufficient policies to support tourism development.

At the conference, the majority of businesses agreed that Nghe An's tourism still lacks distinctive features, its tourism products are monotonous, and they haven't created any differentiation compared to other localities. Some suggested focusing investment on ecotourism areas, community tourism, and better exploiting local cultural values.

Tourism infrastructure issues also received significant attention. Businesses reported inconvenient transportation in many tourist areas and destinations, a lack of wharves and docks to serve waterway tourism, and the need for more large-scale entertainment areas to extend the length of stay for tourists.

Human resources in the tourism sector also present a challenge, as the current workforce is insufficient in both quantity and quality. Many believe that more in-depth training programs are needed, especially for international tour guides and high-end service personnel. Simultaneously, policies supporting businesses in recruitment and training need improvement.

In addition, businesses also requested that state management agencies continue to improve administrative procedures and create more favorable conditions for tourism business activities. Some proposals include simplifying travel agency licensing procedures, improving tax and land policies for tourism businesses, as well as strengthening programs to promote Nghe An tourism on digital platforms and international markets.

Speaking at the conference, Ms. Tran Thi My Hanh, Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, acknowledged the heartfelt and frank opinions of businesses regarding the advantages, difficulties, and challenges facing Nghe An's tourism industry. She also stated that she would direct relevant units to advise on policies to support businesses and report to the Provincial People's Committee to address difficulties in each sector, focusing on issues such as supporting procedures for bringing international tourists to the area, developing policies to support tourism businesses in promotion, advertising, and human resource training.

Comrade Tran Thi My Hanh also suggested that the Tourism Association should play a bridging role between businesses and management agencies, encourage members to participate in joint activities, and coordinate the development of new tourism products such as cruises on the Lam River or experiential tourism in Western Nghe An. Accommodation, travel, and tourism service businesses need to cooperate closely, offer preferential service prices for travel agencies, participate in events and training courses, and support the reception of famtrip and presstrip groups. Accommodation establishments need to improve service quality and ensure security, fire prevention, and fire safety.

The Department's leadership pledged to continue supporting businesses, with the determination to achieve the goal of making tourism a key economic sector by 2030.