Sustainable and integrated tourism development

In order to achieve the goal of developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector, the emulation movement "Son La develops sustainable and integrated tourism" in the period of 2023-2025 has been widely deployed with the participation of the entire political system, strong response from the community, building a professional and unique image of Son La tourism.

Spread from the emulation movement

All levels, sectors and localities have deployed and implemented the emulation movement "Son La develops sustainable tourism and integration" for the period 2023-2025, associated with the specific tasks of the contents of Conclusion No. 94-KL/TU dated January 23, 2021 of the Provincial Party Committee on tourism development in Son La province to 2025, with a vision to 2030 and Resolution No. 41/2022/NQ-HDND dated August 31, 2022 of the Provincial People's Council on "Regulations on a number of policies to support tourism development in Son La province" for the period 2022-2026, along with projects on tourism development of the province.

Thai Xoe art performance at the Provincial Museum and Library to serve the people and tourists.

Mr. Tran Xuan Viet, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: In recent years, activities to attract investment and develop new tourism products have been promoted. The system of tourist areas and spots has gradually been formed to create attractive destinations. Investment promotion and promotion activities have been strengthened, many tourism competitions have been organized on digital platforms, attracting the attention and participation of the community and young people, contributing to enhancing the image and recognition of Son La tourism brand.

Notably, the promotion of digital communication channels of unions, associations, and teams; production of videos promoting the image of the dynamic and integrated land and people of Son La. Many playgrounds and events were organized to honor the cultural beauty of Son La, search for KOL faces; and at the same time, build digital communication products to promote tourism. Creative models such as the establishment of information groups, cultural clubs - tour guides, youth projects "Digitalizing historical relics", green agricultural experience complexes, "Heritage Check-in" model combined with digital tourism, were also practically implemented. At the same time, the province focused on promoting activities to support businesses, cooperatives, and individuals to develop tourism associated with preserving national cultural values.

Tourists visit the special national relic Son La Prison

In particular, the propaganda work has encouraged the community to actively respond to domestic tourism stimulus programs, with the theme "Vietnamese people travel to Vietnam - Vietnam I love", encouraging visits and experiences at tourist areas and destinations in the province and in the country, helping people of all ethnic groups to be more aware of the value of natural resources and indigenous culture, joining hands to preserve, promote and build the image of Son La tourism rich in identity and rich in development potential. Each person becomes a "Tourism Ambassador", contributing to spreading the image of Son La to domestic and international friends.

Creating attractive destinations

Based on the Son La Provincial Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 approved by the Prime Minister, the province has reviewed and planned functional areas, urban master plans, subdivisions, and detailed plans; at the same time, implemented investment in developing transport infrastructure in a synchronous manner, creating momentum for tourism development. The province has also focused on mobilizing and integrating public investment capital sources to support tourism development and invest in essential infrastructure works such as electricity, transportation, parks, and squares; encouraged socialized investment in community tourism spots. People have also proactively created spaces to attract visitors. In the period 2021-2025, the province has allocated nearly 1,150 billion VND to invest in the construction of 14 projects to restore historical and cultural relics and scenic spots associated with tourism development.

Moc Chau Island tourist area is sparkling at night.

Up to now, the whole province has 15 recognized tourist areas and spots; including 1 national tourist area, 1 provincial tourist area, 13 provincial tourist spots. Forming 5 main tourism product groups, including: Eco-tourism, agriculture; cultural and historical tourism; community tourism; resort, entertainment and health tourism; thematic tourism. Many tourist destinations have been formed and developed, creating highlights for Son La tourism, such as: Moc Chau Island tourist area; Dai Yem waterfall eco-tourism area; Moc Chau walking street - night market; Son La prison special national relic; Son La hydroelectric reservoir area tourist area... along with many attractive destinations for eco-tourism, experiencing indigenous culture, local agriculture.

Tourists visit Bach Long glass bridge - Moc Chau Island tourist area.

As one of the early enterprises to exploit tourism services in Moc Chau National Tourist Area, Pha Luong Tourism Joint Stock Company has many unique products, services, and attractive destinations, such as: Dai Yem Waterfall Eco-tourism Area; Moc Chau walking street - night market; Tay Tien Regiment 52 relic and "The Nordic Village" Eco-tourism Area. Mr. Dinh Hong Phuc, Deputy Director of Pha Luong Tourism Joint Stock Company, said: The company continues to innovate and perfect tourism products to meet the needs of tourists; at the same time, exploit and preserve natural landscapes and indigenous cultures. Proactively link and cooperate with travel and tourism companies to create a tourism ecosystem, and develop tourism together.

Moc Chau Walking Street - Night Market attracts many tourists every weekend

Community tourism is also a sustainable direction that the province focuses on. In addition to economic value, this model also contributes significantly to preserving local culture. Many villages have become attractive destinations with the unique identities of each ethnic group, such as: Mong Ta So ethnic community tourism village, Moc Chau ward; Thai ethnic community tourism village Doi village, Tan Yen commune; Lut village, Ngoc Chien commune; Bon village, Muong Chien commune... Activities of sightseeing and experiencing the unique cultural features of ethnic groups, such as: Thai Xoe; traditional festivals; Moc Chau ethnic culture week; Hawthorn flower festival; Quynh Nhai boat racing festival; Xip Xi Tet of the White Thai people... Along with agricultural eco-tourism products, experiencing flower seasons, fruit seasons, tea hills, strawberry gardens, plum valleys or fruit picking festivals, longan, mango, coffee festivals... step by step creating the image of Son La with rich and unique tourism products in all four seasons.

Binh Yen Bay, Quynh Nhai commune, an attractive destination of Son La hydroelectric reservoir area.
Photo: PV

Mr. Vi Hong Thanh, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: Last summer, the Company organized a tour to Moc Chau National Tourist Area for all employees. Coming here, the fresh climate, beautiful scenery, unique indigenous culture, attractive products, professional services, helped us have many interesting experiences.

Son La tourism is gradually affirming its position on the tourism map of Vietnam and the world. Notably, Moc Chau National Tourist Area has been voted by the World Travel Awards as “Asia’s Leading Regional Natural Destination” for 3 consecutive years and “World’s Leading Regional Natural Destination” for 2 consecutive years. The tourism industry has created jobs for 6,500 direct workers, generated revenue and made an important contribution to the development of each locality and the province.

Bon village community tourism, Muong Chien commune.
Photo: PV

From 2020 to now, Son La has welcomed over 20.6 million tourists; revenue of nearly 22,000 billion VND. It is expected that in 2025, it will welcome 5.3 million tourists, with estimated revenue of 6,300 billion VND. This is the basis and motivation for Son La tourism to continue to achieve the goal by 2030, welcoming 10-12 million visitors, with an average growth rate of 20-30%/year, gradually turning tourism into a spearhead economic sector, contributing positively to the economic and social development of the locality.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/phat-trien-du-lich-ben-vung-va-hoi-nhap-lNjSDHCHg.html