8 tourism products for the National Tourism Year 2017

Eight distinctive tourism product lines for eight provinces in the expanded Northwest region were presented at a press conference introducing Northwest tourism and preparations for the 2017 National Tourism Year.

Within the framework of the Vietnam International Tourism Fair VITM Hanoi 2016, on the afternoon of April 14th, representatives from the Northwestern provinces introduced cultural, sports, and tourism programs, events, and unique tourism products that will be organized during the National Tourism Year 2017.

The Northwest region will have many attractive tourism products. Photo: Hai An.

Mr. Ha Van Thang, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, believes that the majestic beauty of the Northwest mountains and forests, the unique and colorful culture, and the heroic and sacred history give the Northwest region rich, diverse, and attractive natural and human tourism resources. Along with its strategic location through border crossings between Vietnam and China and Vietnam and Laos, this becomes an advantage and favorable condition for investing in tourism development.

Over the years, the provinces in the expanded Northwest region have consistently focused on creating a transparent investment environment, facilitating and encouraging economic entities to invest in tourism, and ensuring fair and equal competition under the law. Tourism infrastructure has been built and developed, such as the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway, National Highway 6, and the Hanoi - Lao Cai railway line connecting Kunming - Ha Khau. In the near future, many investment projects will be implemented, including the Lao Cai airport project, the Lai Chau airport project, and the expressway connecting Lai Chau and Sa Pa, creating the necessary conditions for the region's tourism development in conjunction with other parts of the country and neighboring nations.

Speaking to the press, Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh, Deputy Head of the Northwest Steering Committee, said that the region has not yet fully exploited its inherent potential.

According to statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in 2015, the entire Northwest region welcomed 1.7 million international tourists and 8.9 million domestic tourists, but the quality of service in the region is still not high. Therefore, Ms. Hanh emphasized that along with attracting tourists, there needs to be a comprehensive change from awareness to actions and activities to promote tourism development in the region. In addition to attracting more domestic tourists, Ms. Hanh also stated that the goal is to target the international market, mainly Russian and Japanese tourists.

Mr. Ha Van Thang also stated that the Northwest region plans to invest in and develop eight attractive tourism product lines, each featuring the distinctive characteristics of the eight provinces in the region, to serve the National Tourism Year 2017.

1. Community-based tourism in Northwest Vietnam

Develop and put into operation typical and distinctive community-based tourism products of the ethnic groups living in the region to showcase the beauty of the people, culture, and lifestyle of the ethnic communities in Northwest Vietnam.

2. Tourism: “Journey to discover the heritage route of terraced rice fields - Northwest Vietnam”

Develop tour programs to famous terraced rice fields in Northwest Vietnam, combined with agricultural festivals and cultural activities related to terraced rice fields in local areas, to showcase the unique beauty of the people and scenic landscapes of Northwest Vietnam. The event will open in Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai province), including activities and a photo exhibition featuring beautiful terraced rice fields from the three provinces of Ha Giang, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai. Time: March-April and August-October 2017.

3. Highland Market Tourism

Connecting the highland markets of the provinces in the region into a distinctive tourism product, combining the introduction of the unique culture of the ethnic minorities living in the area. Developing a tourism route for exploring and experiencing the highland markets of the Northwest region, focusing on typical market highlights from Sa Pa - Bắc Hà - Xín Mần - Đồng Văn Stone Plateau. Timeframe: Throughout 2017.

4. Spiritual tourism along the Red River

Develop a spiritual tourism tour through three provinces along the Red River: Phu Tho - Yen Bai - Lao Cai, connecting spiritual tourism destinations: Doi Co Temple, Mau Temple and Bao Ha Temple (Lao Cai province); Dong Cuong Temple, Nhuoc Son Temple and Tuan Quan Temple (Yen Bai province); Mau Au Co Temple, Tam Giang Temple, Du Yen Temple (Phu Tho province). Timeframe: During 2017.

5. Spiritual tourism along the Da River

Develop a spiritual tourism tour through the provinces along the Da River: Hoa Binh - Son La - Dien Bien - Lai Chau. Timeframe: During 2017.

6. Tourism: "Colors of Northwest Flowers"

Tour program to admire rhododendron flowers during the blooming season (Q1, Q2/2017) at Hoang Lien National Park (Sa Pa - Lao Cai); Y Ty old-growth forest (Bat Xat - Lao Cai); Moc Chau - Son La.

The Buckwheat Flower themed tourism program in October 2017: Opening ceremony in Ha Giang province; organizing visitor reception at Dong Van Stone Plateau (Ha Giang province) connecting with Bac Ha and Si Ma Cai districts (Lao Cai province).

The "Spring on the Grassland" tourism program in November 2016 and April 2017 in Moc Chau and Van Ho plateaus - Son La province: Organizing spring tours associated with highland cultural festivals and visits to tourism products within the Moc Chau National Tourist Area.

The Sa Pa Flower Festival, held in the first quarter of 2017 at the Fansipan cable car station in Sa Pa town, showcased and displayed various types of orchids, cherry blossoms, and rhododendrons from Lao Cai province.

The first quarter 2017 orchid festival in Sin Sui Ho village, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province.

The wild sunflower festival will take place in the fourth quarter of 2017 in Phong Tho district and Tam Duong district, Lai Chau province.

7. The "Legendary Footprints" tour program - Exploring the marching routes during the historic Dien Bien Phu campaign.

Develop a historical tour following the marching routes of soldiers in the Dien Bien Phu campaign, combined with introductions to landmarks, people, and culture along the route and the system of historical sites in Dien Bien province. The tour will conclude with a commemoration ceremony of the Dien Bien Phu Victory. Duration: Throughout the year, with a peak period during the 63rd anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 2017).

8. "Conquering the Peak" Tourism

Develop tourist routes for visitors who want to explore and conquer the highest peaks of Vietnam (Fansipan - Lao Cai (3,143 m), Phu Ta Leng - Lai Chau (3,040 m), Ky Quan San (Bach Moc Luong Tu), Lao Cai - Lai Chau (3,040 m), Chieu Lau Thi - Ha Giang (2,412 m)), combined with experiencing the culture of ethnic groups in the Northwest. Time: Dry season in 2017.

In addition to the aforementioned tourism products, the Northwest region also organized many attractive programs and activities during the 2017 National Tourism Year, including: "The Northwest Ethnic Groups' Culture, Sports and Tourism Festival" in October 2016 in Lao Cai city; "The Opening Ceremony and Announcement of the 2017 National Tourism Year" associated with the Lao Cai - Northwest Thượng Temple Festival and a series of events celebrating the New Year of the Northwest ethnic groups; "A series of cultural, sports and tourism events in the expanded Northwest region"...

According to Zing.vn