Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument (Photo: Collaborator/Vietnam+) Hanoi (VNA) - Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dien Bien Nguyen Minh Phu expressed his confidence that the event will create a breakthrough for the local tourism development.
- The National Tourism Year - Dien Bien 2024 is set to begin with the opening ceremony on March 16. Could you please tell us what are the highlights of the event?
Director Nguyen Minh Phu: 2024 will witness numerous significant events in Dien Bien province, most notably the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory.
Dien Bien has recently made remarkable efforts to position itself as a hub for tourism development on par with the other provinces in the northern mountainous region.
Under the theme “Glory of Dien Bien Phu – Endless Experiences,” the event aims to lure both domestic and international tourists to Dien Bien and explore its beauty and historical significance.
Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Dien Bien Nguyen Minh Phu (Photo: Mai Ma/Vietnam+)
The opening ceremony will feature art performances highlighting the legendary land, tourism, and flower seasons of Dien Bien.
The programme will be broadcast live on VTV1 and VOV1 channels and the Radio and Television Station of Dien Bien province.
Art performances are staged with high quality, highlighting the tangible and intangible cultural heritage and unique tourism products of Vietnam.
Notably, for the first time in the northwest region and specifically in Dien Bien, audiences will be treated to a drone light artistic show - a fly cam performance featuring 200 drones illuminating the sky.
- What have the local authorities done so far to attract tourists to Dien Bien during the National Tourism Year?
Director Nguyen Minh Phu: Dien Bien has recently focused on improving transportation infrastructure. The Dien Bien airport has been inaugurated and upgraded to accommodate large-body A321 aircraft.
The beauty of traditional culture of ethnic people in Dien Bien province (Photo: Collaborator/VNA) We have opened flights connecting Dien Bien with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with an increasing frequency to meet the growing demand of tourists and locals. Attention has also been given to the development of road transport systems.
In terms of accommodation infrastructure, food services, entertainment and sightseeing tours, the province has been making significant efforts to meet the needs of holidaymakers.
- What will you do to show off the beauty of Dien Bien during the National Tourism Year 2024?
Director Nguyen Minh Phu: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has approved the National Tourism Year 2024, featuring a total of 169 consecutive events held across 33 provinces and cities throughout the year. Among them, 28 events will be hosted by Dien Bien.
Since the beginning of the year, we have organized numerous cultural events. Notably, the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 National Tourism Year will coincide with the commencement of the Ban flower festival, a unique traditional cultural festival of Dien Bien province, on March 16.
The unique culture of ethnic people in Dien Bien (Photo: Collaborator/VNA) We have created three main tourism products.
First, we focus on historical-spiritual tourism. Dien Bien Phu battlefield, known for its historical significance across five continents, will be a prominent site, with places such as the Dien Bien Phu battlefield martyrs’ temples, Hoang Cong Chat temple, and national cemeteries.
Second, we aim to showcase the cultural identity of the 19 local ethnic groups. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the vibrant highland cultures.
Last but not least, we have community-based tourism products associated with healthcare services. It will be an interesting experience for visitors.
- How will Dien Bien coordinate and cooperate with travel agencies in attracting tourists?
Director Nguyen Minh Phu: By the end of December 2023 and January 2024, we organized many big events such as the northwest culture and tourism weeks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Thanh Hoa, a boat racing festival, a national paragliding tournament, and a tourism promotion conference in Muong Lay town.
Dien Bien, land of heroes. (Photo: Collaborative/VNA)
All of these activities are aimed at promoting, advertising, and connecting travel companies, helping them better design tours for visitors.
- What do you expect from the organization of the National Tourism Year - Dien Bien 2024?
Director Nguyen Minh Phu: We hope this event will create a breakthrough for the local tourism to boost socioeconomic development, improve the living standards of local people, and become an appealing destination for domestic and foreign tourists.
As the only province in the Northwest region with air routes, Dien Bien has built a specific plan on communication work to promote the image of Dien Bien among foreigners.
We really expect that Dien Bien will become a destination for international tourists, especially European tourists.
- Thank you very much!
