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Director of Binh Dinh Department of Tourism Tran Van Thanh. Photo: Dieu Thuy

2024 is a breakthrough year for Binh Dinh tourism with many strong changes, contributing significantly to the local socio-economic development process. Binh Dinh tourism is ranked in the strong growth group of Vietnam tourism, many organizations and individuals doing tourism business in the province have received high awards in the tourism field. In particular, Quy Nhon City was honored for the second time to receive the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award in 2024.

According to industry statistics in 2024, the number of visitors to Binh Dinh will reach over 9.2 million, an increase of 83.9% compared to 2023 (exceeding the target of 8 million). Tourism revenue is estimated at VND 25,500 billion, an increase of 55.4% over the same period.

- Sir, how do you evaluate the "good signals" of Binh Dinh province's tourism industry in 2024?

In 2024, the number of tourists to Binh Dinh will increase due to the province organizing many cultural, sports and tourism events of national and international scale; especially the F1H2O Powerboat Race.

At the same time, another good thing is that most districts and towns in the province organize events to attract tourists. Especially Hoai Nhon town. In 2024, the locality attracted over 750,000 tourists, over 12,000 guests staying.

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Mr. Ho Quoc Dung - Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee attended the international sports event held in Binh Dinh. Photo: Ho Giap

In addition, restaurant service revenue increased by 24%. This figure includes restaurant services in the whole province, not just tourists. We calculate tourist revenue at VND25,500 billion, which is the spending of tourists, including accommodation, food, travel, and shopping.

- Can you tell us more about the results of promoting investment in tourism development in Binh Dinh in recent times?

Regarding investment promotion, in 2024, the tourism industry has promoted tourism in many localities. From the beginning of the year, the F1H2O professional powerboat racing tournament was promoted, with 3 events held in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Quy Nhon...

In particular, there are many innovations in promotion and advertising. Instead of signing contracts with units, they have switched to displaying photos. Last year, it was implemented at 4 locations: Temple of Literature (Hanoi), Can Tho City, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue City. On the occasion of major national events organized by localities, Binh Dinh Department of Tourism coordinated with localities to use part of their area to display photos.

In 2024, the industry will participate in a total of 18 events, including events organized by the Ministry, the province, and other localities. These include a program to link and display tourism products of the province; participate in the Food Festival organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Dien Bien; and have 2 tourism promotion events in Thailand and Korea.

2025 is the final year to implement the Resolution of the Party Congresses at all levels and Action Program No. 06-CTr/TU dated May 14, 2021 of the Provincial Party Committee on developing Binh Dinh tourism into a spearhead economic sector in the period 2020 - 2025. Binh Dinh tourism industry strives to attract 10 million tourists in 2025.

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Tourists enjoy capturing moments at the international sporting event held in Binh Dinh. Photo: Ho Giap

- To achieve the goal of attracting 10 million visitors by 2025, will the tourism industry add new tourism products, sir?

Regarding tourism products, Binh Dinh has a very rich tourism product range: from historical sites, scenic spots, and tourist destinations. However, the exploitation to attract tourists is still not systematic.

The biggest problem of the province is that there are not many entertainment spots. In the future, we will strive to have 1-2 entertainment spots as well as shopping centers and night economy to attract tourists staying in Binh Dinh.

In recent years, the Provincial People's Committee has worked with large corporations to call for investment in large-scale projects to develop tourism. Hopefully, in the coming time, these projects will be implemented to create more tourism products and entertainment spots to attract visitors.

Dieu Thuy - N. Hien (performed)