Finding directions for developing night tourism in the old Ba Ria - Vung Tau area

(NLDO) - Night tourism needs to be developed systematically and professionally, associated with cultural identity and local advantages to effectively exploit economic benefits.

On August 1, in Ba Ria ward, the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City coordinated with the Institute of Strategic Studies - Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade to organize a scientific seminar with the theme: "Developing night tourism in the old Ba Ria - Vung Tau area: Current situation and solutions".

The highlight of the workshop was 14 in-depth presentations, of which 5 were presented directly around the main pillars of the night tourism ecosystem. Specifically, the research team classified 5 main product groups including: Cultural and artistic performances; sports, health care, beauty; shopping - entertainment; experience, education and spirituality; night cuisine and culinary culture.

The workshop received contributions from many experts in the fields of economics and tourism.

In particular, Vung Tau is identified as a key location to build a professional night tourism model, based on the advantages of existing infrastructure, landscape and sea tourism brand.

MSc. Nguyen Duy Tam, Institute of Strategic Studies - Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, said that although there have been scattered activities in Con Dao, Phu My, Long Hai, Phuoc Hai or Ho Tram, Binh Chau, night tourism is still mainly spontaneous, lacks connection and has not created enough attraction to keep tourists after 6 p.m.

A highlight of the workshop was the presentation by Dr. Doan Van Trai, Institute for Strategic Studies - Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, on the results of the pilot model "Cho Ro Cultural Night", an experiential cultural activity associated with intangible heritage and the identity of local ethnic minority communities. This is one of the models that is assessed to have the potential to be replicated, not only bringing tourism value but also contributing to cultural preservation.

Experts' opinions are a stepping stone for night tourism in the old Ba Ria - Vung Tau area to develop professionally.

At the workshop, MSc. Dinh Van Duc, former Head of the General Planning Department, Department of Planning and Investment of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province (old) presented a paper on mechanisms and policies to support the development of night tourism. In particular, he emphasized the need to review and adjust land use planning, regulations on activities after 6 p.m., ensuring security, order and environmental sanitation. At the same time, he proposed to prioritize support for small and medium enterprises to invest in night product chains, promote communication, trade promotion, and attract private investment.

Delegates agreed that night tourism not only contributes to increasing tourist spending but also helps diversify products, prolongs length of stay and makes an important contribution to shifting the economic structure towards service - innovation - green - sustainability.

The completion of the Thuy Van Street renovation project will promote the development of night tourism in Vung Tau.

According to the research team, to effectively develop night tourism, the old Ba Ria - Vung Tau area needs to form a synchronous ecosystem, including: Space and infrastructure dedicated to night activities; coordination mechanism between tourism - culture - trade - security sectors; investment policies, incentives, and start-up support; night destination brand positioning for each area.

The Institute for Strategic Studies said it would absorb the comments at the workshop, complete the project and propose to soon pilot a number of models in localities such as Vung Tau, Long Hai, Phuoc Hai and Ho Tram, Binh Chau. This will be a stepping stone for night tourism in the old Ba Ria - Vung Tau area to develop professionally, create different and sustainable values, and integrate more strongly with the region.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/tim-huong-phat-trien-du-lich-ban-dem-cho-khu-vuc-ba-ria-vung-tau-cu-196250801154149242.htm