Nghe An Department of Tourism solemnly celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Attending the commemoration ceremony were distinguished guests from the Central Government, including Comrade Ho An Phong - Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; along with leaders and representatives from various departments of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration.

The leaders of Nghe An province included: Nguyen Van Thong - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Nguyen Duc Trung - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Nguyen Thi Thu Huong - Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the Provincial Propaganda Department; Bui Dinh Long - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; along with leaders of departments, agencies, and localities; representatives of the Tourism Association and tourism businesses and units...

Gradually becoming an important economic sector of the province.

Even during the fierce war years, tourism in Nghe An gradually took shape, initially as a reception station for foreign expert delegations belonging to the Vietnam Tourism Company, and as a diplomatic guesthouse. On July 5, 1994, in response to new development requirements, the Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 673/QD-UB on the establishment of the Nghe An Department of Tourism.

In 2008, the Department of Tourism was merged with the Department of Culture and Information and the Department of Physical Education and Sports to form the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In 2017, in accordance with Resolution 36/NQ-HĐND of the Nghe An Provincial People's Council, the Department of Tourism was re-established.

Delivering a speech at the anniversary ceremony, Director of the Department of Tourism Nguyen Manh Cuong stated that, through its development process, the tourism industry has increasingly affirmed its position in state management of tourism, gradually elevating tourism to become an important economic sector, making increasingly significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the province.

The tourism business sector has developed strongly, and the tourism service infrastructure has rapidly expanded in scale and quality. As of May 30, 2024, the province had 928 accommodation establishments with 22,032 rooms, including 4 five-star hotels, 10 four-star hotels, and 40 hotels ranging from one to three stars; there were nearly 70 travel companies and branches, and 29 tourist destinations recognized by the Provincial People's Committee as provincial-level tourist destinations.

The transportation infrastructure connecting the province's key tourist areas has been invested in and developed, creating favorable conditions for connectivity and expanding development opportunities.

Tourism products are becoming increasingly diverse, with improved quality and creativity. Many cultural sites, historical relics, and revolutionary monuments are receiving attention and investment for construction, preservation, and restoration.

Tourism in Nghe An continues to experience significant growth, with a considerable improvement in tourist spending. In the first six months of 2024, the number of tourists reached 5,480,000, equivalent to 112% compared to the same period in 2023; total revenue from tourism reached 16,611 billion VND, of which tourism revenue was estimated at 6,417 billion VND.

The socio-economic benefits of tourism are increasingly evident, creating millions of direct and indirect jobs for various segments of the population, especially young entrepreneurs and women. People's lives have improved significantly, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and social enrichment.

With these achievements, the Nghe An Department of Tourism was honored to receive the Third-Class Labor Medal from the Party and the State; and received numerous Certificates of Merit and titles from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People's Committee of Nghe An province.

Striving to become the tourism hub of the North Central region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong respectfully praised, acknowledged, and highly appreciated the important role, persistent efforts, dedication, and achievements that the Department of Tourism and the tourism industry of Nghe An province have achieved over the past 30 years.

These achievements have made a significant contribution to the development of the tourism sector, promoting the development of other economic sectors, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the province, transforming rural areas, upgrading urban areas, and promoting cultural and heritage values.

Summarizing the potential, advantages, and unique values ​​of Nghe An province, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism emphasized that, in the coming time, he requested the Nghe An Provincial Department of Tourism to focus on investing in and completing the criteria for the Kim Lien Special National Historical Relic Site to become a National Tourist Area, a highlight and bright spot of Vietnamese tourism; and to develop Vinh and Dien Chau into National Tourist Areas.

Accelerate the development of high-end tourism products in the Cua Hoi coastal area; urgently approve the ecotourism project of Pu Mat National Park and the ecotourism system according to the new Forestry Law to develop tourism products.

The Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism also stated that agricultural tourism should be developed in conjunction with the new rural development program; and that historical relics and scenic spots should be urgently included in the planning to develop tourism resources and tourism products.

In particular, it is essential to adhere to the national strategy to develop Nghe An's tourism in the right direction and within the scope of Vietnam's tourism development plan.

Deputy Minister Ho An Phong stated that, in order to achieve the above orientations and objectives, it is first necessary to raise public awareness about tourism; tourism must be based on culture, combined with the cultural industry to create sustainable growth, transforming heritage into assets, and culture into commodities.

On the other hand, the goal is to build a streamlined, effective, and efficient Department of Tourism, comprised of dedicated individuals with economic knowledge but also a deep understanding of culture; capable of working in an internationally integrated environment, continuing modern traditions in a digital technological setting. This will enhance awareness throughout the tourism system, developing tourism products with competitive prices, a safe environment, and unique offerings.

Speaking at the commemoration ceremony, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Duc Trung stated that, despite many ups and downs, with the attention of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Council, the Provincial People's Committee, and various departments and localities, the Nghe An Provincial Department of Tourism has overcome many difficulties to achieve accomplishments and excellently fulfill its assigned tasks.

Summarizing the outstanding achievements, on behalf of the provincial leadership, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Duc Trung acknowledged, warmly commended, and highly appreciated the achievements and results that the Department of Tourism and the tourism industry have achieved in 30 years of formation and development, contributing to the overall development of the province.

Comrade Nguyen Duc Trung emphasized that Resolution No. 39 of the Politburo has identified Nghe An as one of the tourism centers in the North Central region. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to further develop the potential, advantages, historical and cultural values, and natural conditions, because currently, tourism in Nghe An is developing below its potential.

In the coming period, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested the Department of Tourism to focus on effectively advising the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Council, and the Provincial People's Committee on the implementation of tasks outlined in action programs for the implementation of Central and Provincial Resolutions; and the Tourism Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2035.

In addition, the Department of Tourism and the industry need to continue to innovate in development thinking and strengthen cooperation in tourism development to achieve the goal of making Nghe An one of the leading localities in tourism development.

Comrade Nguyen Duc Trung also suggested gradually restructuring the tourism industry and tourism products towards enhancing quality and competitiveness based on specific conditions.

Continue to innovate in state management of tourism. Strengthen coordination with departments, sectors, and localities; promote human resource training, which is a key task to build a team of highly skilled, professional, friendly, and hospitable tourism workers.

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Duc Trung also requested that departments, agencies, and localities pay attention to and cooperate with the Department and the tourism industry to achieve development goals, contributing more and with higher quality to the development of Nghe An province.

On this occasion, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee presented the Department of Tourism with a banner from the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Council, the Provincial People's Committee, and the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee of Nghe An province.withThe inscription reads: "Nghe An Provincial Department of Tourism - 30 years of innovation and development"; Certificates of Merit were awarded to one collective and four individuals of the Department of Tourism. The Director of the Department of Tourism also presented Certificates of Commendation to many collectives and individuals.