Make tourism 'take off' and become a key economic sector

After expanding its administrative boundaries, Hai Phong has more tourism products to attract tourists. In the photo: Kiep Bac Temple relic site - one of the five relics belonging to the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiep Bac relic and scenic complex, which has just been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. Photo: THANH CHUNG

Development advantages

During the 2020 - 2025 term, the city attracted a series of large tourism infrastructure projects with a total investment of more than 111,000 billion VND, nearly 10 5-star hotels in operation, and an international cruise system worth tens of millions of USD. Vu Yen Island became a new highlight with VinWonders Royal Parks, Royal Marina; Do Son revived with the Dragon Hill international tourist area; Cat Ba was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage...

Not only sea and island tourism, Hai Phong owns 5 relics in the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac complex which has just been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. It can be said that Hai Phong has many favorable conditions: sea and island resources, world heritage, synchronous transport infrastructure with highways, international airports, and gateway seaports.

This is the premise for developing cultural and spiritual tourism, creating a harmonious complement between “wonderful nature” and “thousand-year heritage” for Hai Phong to rise to the position of an international tourist center.

Despite many advantages, the road for Hai Phong to break through is still full of thorns. That is the seasonality of tourism is still clear. In winter and low months, the number of tourists decreases sharply. Another problem is the uneven quality of service. "Having a 5-star hotel is a good thing, but more importantly, the quality of service must truly meet international standards. High-end tourists from Europe and Asia expect professionalism and sophistication in every detail. This is the point that Hai Phong needs to continue to upgrade" - Ms. Le Thu Ha, Director of Dora International Co., Ltd., Thanh Dong Ward commented.

The west of the city has a strong point of rich heritage, but the accompanying tourism products are still monotonous, lacking accommodation services and experiences to retain visitors. In addition, climate change and the risk of over-commercialization also pose the need for sustainable heritage conservation. If not well controlled, the natural and cultural values - which are the "brand" of Hai Phong - may be lost.

The number of international tourists choosing Hai Phong as a destination is increasing. Photo: PHAN TUAN

Solutions for the future

Comrade Le Tien Chau, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the City Party Committee, Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Hai Phong City once said: Hai Phong owns Cat Ba archipelago - a world biosphere reserve; connecting with the world cultural heritage area recently recognized by UNESCO, Con Son - Kiep Bac opens up space for developing high-quality sea and island tourism, culture and resorts, contributing to making Hai Phong a livable, worth-visiting and worth-investing city in the new era.

The Political Report presented to the 1st Congress of Hai Phong City Party Committee, term 2025 - 2030 sets out the target of attracting 25 million tourists by 2030. One of the 5 strategic breakthroughs identified is Building Hai Phong into a regional and international center of sea tourism, culture and heritage, with unique tourism products associated with cultural and historical identity, marine and rural resources. Promoting the value and driving role of Cat Ba, Do Son, Con Son - Kiep Bac to develop green economy, sustainable tourism, spreading the image of a civilized, friendly and livable port city.

From there, many key solutions were outlined so that tourism could truly take off and become the city's spearhead economic sector. That is to focus on effectively exploiting sea and island tourism resources and unique cultural heritage; building Cat Ba into a "green island", a high-class ecological - resort destination, Do Son into a multi-functional tourism center, Con Son - Kiep Bac into an international cultural and spiritual tourism center. Building tourism routes, improving traffic infrastructure to connect Cat Ba - Do Son - Con Son - Kiep Bac into a chain of sea - island - spiritual heritage tourism spaces, associated with historical, cultural values, and identity of the Northern coastal region.

In addition, the city proactively researched and proposed policies to encourage the opening of more direct flights connecting Hai Phong with major economic and tourist centers in the country and Asia.

According to the leader of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to achieve the standard of a high-class destination, Hai Phong must improve the quality of services and human resources; build an international tourism brand. Promotion and advertising activities are promoted on digital platforms associated with a modern communication strategy to spread the image of Hai Phong to international friends.

However, the advantages of sea, islands, heritage, and modern infrastructure are golden opportunities, but can only be effective when there is a long-term strategy to preserve them for sustainable development and improve service quality.

It can be affirmed that, after the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, in recent years, Hai Phong tourism is accelerating again, creating a solid foundation for the goal of becoming an international tourism center.

With political determination, the companionship of businesses, the support of the people and a clear development vision, Hai Phong strives to become a "strategic destination of the new era", a place where culture - nature - modernity converge, contributing to affirming Vietnam's position on the global tourism map.

TUAN LINH

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/dua-du-lich-cat-canh-tro-thanh-nganh-kinh-te-mui-nhon-521852.html