Suggestions for transforming tourism in Nghe An
For tourism in Nghe An to undergo a strong transformation and become a key economic sector of the province, comprehensive and specific solutions are needed, along with close coordination among all relevant parties.
Nghe An Newspaper has recorded opinions from representatives of tourism service businesses and management agencies on this issue.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Hai - Chairman of the Nghe An Hotel Association
Nghe An possesses potentialtourismNghe An boasts beautiful beaches, rich traditional culture, and diverse natural landscapes. However, tourism accounts for only 4% of the province's total product value. This will be a major challenge in achieving the goal by 2030 of "tourism becoming a key economic sector of the province, creating momentum to promote the development of other industries and sectors; contributing 9-10% to the province's GRDP," as set out in the Resolution of the 19th Congress of the Nghe An Provincial Party Committee for the 2020-2025 term. The main reason lies in the lack of large-scale projects from strategic investors.
Therefore, for tourism to become a key economic sector, the province needs to develop specific mechanisms such as tax exemptions and reductions, and prioritize the granting of permits for the construction of high-end resorts. At the same time, infrastructure upgrades must go hand in hand with the development of accompanying services. For example, the pedestrian street in Vinh City needs additional shopping centers and night food courts to retain tourists.
Mr. Tran Ngoc Khoan - Managing Director of Lam Giang Hotel, Nghe An
In 2005, Nghe An hosted the National Tourism Year, but after 20 years, we remain merely a stopover point, failing to retain tourists or create the same impact as Hoi An or Hue. This is extremely regrettable, as the province has not been able to exploit and develop the value of its existing tourism potential. For example, Nghe An possesses a rich treasure trove of spiritual and cultural heritage with dozens of ancient temples, pagodas, and festivals recognized as national heritage sites. However, spiritual tourism in the locality still develops in a fragmented manner, lacking a comprehensive strategy, and has not truly become a driving force for the development of the tourism industry in general.
I believe that, to fully exploit its tourism potential, the province needs to focus on developing unique themed tours, combining visits to historical sites with festival experiences, and utilizing digital technology to introduce heritage to international tourists. If done well, spiritual tourism could completely become a cultural industry, making a significant contribution to total tourism revenue.
Ms. Cao Thi Thanh - Director of Vietravel Company, Nghe An branch
Currently, Nghe An's tourism products are not as outstanding as those of neighboring provinces. The distinct seasonality means that business activities are concentrated in certain times of the year, creating instability and difficulties in developing diverse tourism products.
Besides,tourism human resourcesIn particular, there is a serious shortage of international tour guides; hiring personnel from other provinces and cities is both costly and reduces competitiveness. Furthermore, while tourist destinations in western Nghe An are attractive, they face many difficulties in attracting foreign visitors due to cumbersome administrative procedures.
Therefore, improving the quality of human resources, especially international tour guides, should be a top priority. Nghe An needs to strengthen specialized training, particularly targeting key tourist markets such as the UK, South Korea, and China. In addition, simplifying visa procedures should be accelerated to create more favorable conditions for international tourists visiting Nghe An.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Hien – Chairman of the Nghe An Tourism Association
"To develop tourism into a key economic sector, the prerequisite is that Nghe An needs to attract large investors with strong financial potential to implement large-scale projects and high-end services. Along with that, it needs comprehensive investment in everything from airports, road systems, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels to entertainment and recreational areas. Only with sufficiently strong infrastructure can Nghe An fully utilize its inherent potential."
Only with a sufficiently strong infrastructure can we fully exploit the existing potential. At the same time, the province needs to strengthen links with destinations in the region, design inter-regional tours such as cross-Vietnam tours or cross-border tours between Vietnam and Laos via the Nam Can International Border Gate, develop sports tourism, and build a brand of safe tourism to retain tourists for longer periods.
Ms. Tran Thi My Hanh - Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism: "Committed to accompanying businesses from policy to action"
We are committed to working alongside tourism and service businesses with the ultimate goal of strongly developing tourism in Nghe An. In the near future, the Department will draft a resolution on tourism development to submit to the Provincial People's Council for promulgation, thereby outlining policies to support businesses in terms of taxation and human resources.
Communication efforts will also be strengthened through specific plans to widely promote the image of Nghe An to domestic and international tourists. In addition, the province will focus on implementing key investment projects, improving infrastructure, and developing unique tourism products such as boat tours on the Lam River combined with the exploitation of folk songs and dances; and promoting community-based and ecotourism in the western districts of Nghe An.
Furthermore, tourism businesses need to coordinate closely in their operations, forming "tourism alliances" and jointly investing in common products instead of competing individually. Businesses providing accommodation, tourism services, and paid tourist attractions should offer preferential pricing policies to travel agencies bringing tourists to Nghe An. At the same time, travel agencies should proactively develop interconnected tours between destinations within the province, and between Nghe An and neighboring provinces, especially the North Central region, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, in order to integrate Nghe An into inter-provincial and inter-regional tourism product chains.