Overview of the conference

Attending the conference were Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration; Mr. Ha Trung Chien, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Son La province; leaders of the People's Committees of the expanded Northwest provinces; representatives of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City; leaders of several departments and agencies of the province and the expanded Northwest provinces; and leaders of communes and wards with tourism advantages in the province.

The Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee delivered the opening remarks at the conference.

During the 2021-2025 period, the tourism development cooperation program between the expanded Northwest provinces and Ho Chi Minh City was implemented synchronously and effectively, achieving many positive results. By 2025, the total number of tourists visiting the localities in the cooperation program is expected to reach approximately 90 million, with total revenue from tourism activities reaching approximately 342 trillion VND.

The Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration delivered a speech at the conference.

The delegates attending the conference.

At the conference, delegates heard a presentation from representatives of Son La province on the draft Decision establishing the Steering Committee, Standing Committee, and Support Team for the program; the plan for organizing activities to link and cooperate in tourism development; and the operational regulations for the period 2026-2030.

The leaders of Tuyen Quang province delivered their remarks at the conference.

At the conference, delegates focused on discussing and clarifying the contents of the cooperation agreement and the operating regulations of the liên kết group; and reached a high level of consensus on the goals, directions, and key tasks and solutions for the coming period. This is an important basis for localities to continue strengthening regional linkages in a more close, substantive, and effective manner.

Leaders of the expanded Northwest provinces have completed the signing of a cooperation agreement.

After agreeing on the contents, the leaders of the People's Committees of the expanded Northwest provinces signed an agreement on cooperation in tourism development for the period 2026-2030. The cooperation focuses on the following areas: state management of tourism; development and linkage of tourism products; digital transformation and application of science and technology; promotion, investment attraction; and development of tourism human resources.

Delegates visited the booths showcasing products from Lang Son province.

A display space for products from Lang Son province.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director of the National Tourism Administration, acknowledged and highly appreciated the achievements of the localities in developing regional tourism. He suggested that localities continue to shift strongly from event-based linkages to linkages along the tourism value chain; use digital transformation as a tool to improve the efficiency of tourism management and promotion; improve the quality of services at destinations; strengthen public-private partnerships, and promote the central role of businesses. Through this, a comprehensive tourism product ecosystem will be created, contributing to the dissemination of the cultural values ​​and unique beauty of the Northwest region.

The delegates enjoyed Thai Nguyen tea products.

The exhibition displays books, photos, and tourist maps of Son La province.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Ha Trung Chien, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, emphasized: The signing ceremony is of great significance, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity, cohesion, and determination to act towards the goal of sustainable tourism development. He requested that localities, departments, and the business community promptly concretize the signed contents into action programs and plans; strengthen coordination and information sharing; promote linkages to build distinctive regional tourism products; effectively mobilize investment resources, and create conditions for businesses to participate deeply in the tourism value chain.

OCOP products of Son La province.

Delegates visit scenic tourist attractions in Son La.

Cultural performances at the event.

Within the framework of the conference, the provinces also organized exhibition spaces showcasing beautiful tourism photos, introducing typical tourism products and OCOP products, reflecting the unique cultural identity of the localities in the expanded Northwest region.

Huyen Trang - Lo Thai