Room for tourism development in Thanh Hoa
Thanh Hoa (VNA) – The emergence of
COVID-19 pandemic over the past nearly two years has taken toll on tourism of Vietnam
and the central province of Thanh Hoa in particular, forcing localities,
especially national tourism landmarks, to focus on domestic market rather than overseas
one.
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 Vietnam", 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
products-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 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 has 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, 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.
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 home coming to help sort out the fish.
Sam Son town was promoted to a city in 2017, in a
move which 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./.