Room for tourism development in Thanh Hoa
The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic over the past nearly two years has taken a toll on the tourism of Viet Nam and the central province of Thanh Hoa in particular, forcing localities, especially national tourism landmarks, to focus on domestic market rather than overseas one.
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| In Thanh Hoa. (Photo: VNA) |
Thanh Hoa is seen as one of the localities with huge potential of developing tourism on the back of its diverse and rich tourism resources, both natural and human.
Known as a "miniature Viet Nam", Thanh Hoa has all kinds of terrain, from mountain, midland, to plain and coast, with many beautiful landscapes and valuable historical – cultural vestiges. At the same time, the province also has a system of infrastructure and technical facilities for tourism that is constantly expanding, gradually improving quality, convenience and modernity.
Tourism products are more and more diverse, quality with civilised and polite services. Tourism human resources have been gradually strengthened in both quantity and quality. To effectively tap such resources, Thanh Hoa has invested in and completed key infrastructure projects such as a road linking Tho Xuan airport with Nghi Son Economic Zone, a road connecting mountainous districts in the west together, the National Highway 1A linking with Hai Tien, Hai Hoa, Ben En, Lam Kinh tourist areas.
In particular, the province renewed product-destinations via regularly holding tourism events such as sea tourism, light, love and flower festivals, street carnivals, inaugurated Hai Tien – Dao Ne waterway route, a mural village, a pavement street and a night market in Sam Son.
In recent years, Thanh Hoa has become one of the top cities and provinces in terms of tourism growth nationwide. During the 2016-2019 period, the number of tourist arrivals in the province grew by 15.2 percent annually while tourism revenue rose by 31.7 percent year on year, contributing to local socio-economic development.
However, the uncertain developments of the pandemic over the past nearly two years have made it hard to achieve tourism growth targets as expected. A number of inbound and outbound tourism stimulus plans and policies became infeasible. Therefore, focusing on intra-provincial tourism development is a necessary solution.
Experts suggested that Thanh Hoa should issue its own tourism stimulus policy, renew products to offer more experience to tourists in the motto “better – newer- faster – cheaper”.
The province is creating its image as a safe, friendly and attractive destination. Apart from tourism resources, infrastructure and diverse products, the difference is also a highlight, thus prompting visitors to travel to the locality.
Thanh Hoa has set a target of turning tourism into a spearhead economic sector by 2030.
Amid the difficulties posed by COVID-19, the province welcomed 7.3 million visitors in 2020, earning 10.394 trillion VND (over 453.6 million USD), representing 65.5 percent and 50.7 percent of targets, respectively.
The local tourism sector has posted impressive growth in recent years. However, its development is still not commensurate with potential.
The north-central province’s Sam Son beach is a familiar destination for many people. It is home to several hidden charms waiting for tourists to explore, including Van Chai ancient fishing village. The village is busy at dawn as fishermen returning shore with catches and those at homecoming to help sort out the fish.
Sam Son town was promoted to a city in 2017, in a move that aims to meet the local urbanisation process and develop Sam Son into a national tourist city.
In addition to the renowned Sam Son beach, Thanh Hoa is home to various charming others, namely Hai Tien in Hoang Hoa district; Tien Trang Quang Xuong in Quang Xuong district; Hai Hoa and Hai Thanh in Tinh Gia; Bai Dong (the East Beach); Vinh Son; Quang Nham, and Hai Binh.
(Source: VNA)
