Binh Dinh wants to attract international tourists with sea sports

Binh Dinh wants to become the center of sailing, jet skiing and other marine sports events to attract global tourists.

The content was discussed by provincial leaders and experts at the seminar "Solutions for developing the marine economy associated with world cultural and sporting events", on the occasion of the Quy Nhon 2023 International Sailing and Stand-up Paddleboard Race taking place on October 28-29.

Mr. Lam Hai Giang, Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh, said that tourism is identified as one of the five economic pillars of the province. In 2022, the total number of tourists will reach 4.12 million, an increase of 1.8 times; total tourism revenue will reach over 13,000 billion VND, an increase of 6.5 times.

Sailboats in Quy Nhon sea before the sailboat race on October 28 and 29. Photo: Binh Chanh — Sailboats in Quy Nhon sea before the sailboat race on October 28 and 29. Photo: *Binh Chanh*

In tourism products, the province has recently focused on sports tourism with activities such as traditional martial arts, golf tourism, cross-country running, beach volleyball, and marathon running to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

Mr. Lam Hai Giang, Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh Province, speaks about marine sports. Photo: Binh Dinh Newspaper — Mr. Lam Hai Giang, Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh Province. Photo: *Binh Dinh Newspaper*

Mr. Giang said that countries around the world are taking advantage of the opportunity to host major international tournaments to build the country's image and develop tourism and services. However, sports tourism in Vietnam is not really vibrant and is still in the potential form, waiting for opportunities to be exploited. Therefore, in the coming time, the province will focus on developing this type.

One of the province's sports tourism highlights is its cooperation with the International Powerboat Federation, the organizer of the F1H2O race in about 40 countries around the world, in March 2024. Or the ongoing international sailing and stand-up paddleboard race attracting 20 athletes from 10 participating countries such as Australia, France, Singapore, Japan, Italy...

According to the leaders of Binh Dinh province, the race will be the premise to create a trend of marine sports and change Vietnam's marine economy; thereby, the image of culture, people and tourism resources of Binh Dinh province will be widely promoted through international television channels.

Athletes prepare for the sailing race in Quy Nhon. Photo: Binh Dinh — Athletes prepare for the sailing race in Quy Nhon. Photo: *Binh Dinh*

Mr. Tran Viet Anh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Binh Dinh F1 Joint Stock Company, the organizer of the race in Vietnam, said that the race not only brings tourists to experience sports activities, but is also an opportunity for international investors to come and explore investment opportunities in the province.

In many countries, in addition to being a sport, racing is also linked to the economy. "Marine sports account for 3.2% of the US GDP in 2022," Mr. Anh said, citing that racing in other countries attracts about 40,000 to 50,000 international visitors.

Mr. Nguyen Hai Duong, Head of International Cooperation Department - Department of Physical Training and Sports and Vice President - General Secretary of Vietnam Rowing Federation, said that many provinces and cities have been successful in promoting the country and people through sports tournaments. He believes that this race will spread the image of Binh Dinh widely.

Pham Linh

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