(baosonla.vn) - 2024 concluded with many memorable milestones for Son La's tourism industry. Many major goals were achieved ahead of schedule; the number of tourists and tourism revenue continued to increase. These are important prerequisites for Son La's tourism to continue to break through and thrive.
The Famtrip group conducted a survey at Happy Land Moc Chau.
Notably, our province has completed and achieved one year ahead of schedule two major goals identified in the Resolution of the 15th Provincial Party Congress, term 2020-2025, namely: Moc Chau National Tourist Area has been officially recognized as a national tourist area according to the provisions of the Tourism Law (becoming the 8th tourist area nationwide to receive this recognition). The Son La hydroelectric reservoir area has been officially included in the national tourism system planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045. In addition, Moc Chau National Tourist Area has been selected by the World Tourism Awards as the "Leading Regional Nature Destination in Asia" for three consecutive years and the "Leading Regional Nature Destination in the World" for two consecutive years.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Moc Chau District, shared: "Moc Chau being recognized as a national tourist area and continuing to be honored as a 'Leading Regional Natural Destination in the World' has created a very positive effect. In 2024, the district attracted nearly 2.6 million tourists, with social revenue reaching over 3,367 billion VND. This is an important driving force for the district to continue striving to develop tourism further, affirming its position on the world tourism map, worthy of being a national tourist area."
Our province's tourism promotion and marketing activities are organized on a large scale and in diverse forms, promoting the image of Son La tourism to domestic and international tourists. Notable examples include: the "Son La - Hua Phan, Lao People's Democratic Republic Cultural Tourism Festival"; organizing tourism promotion and marketing activities and announcing the decision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognizing Moc Chau National Tourist Area. We are also implementing collaborative tourism development activities among the 8 expanded Northwest provinces and Ho Chi Minh City in 2024, including: promoting Moc Chau National Tourist Area on the fanpages of the 8 provinces; participating in events related to the National Tourism Year in Dien Bien, the VITM Hanoi Fair, the River Festival in Ho Chi Minh City; the Northwest Dien Bien Fair 2024; and the National Food Festival 2024...
Dạm Waterfall ecotourism site, Mộc Châu district.
The province has focused on attracting investment and developing tourism infrastructure, basically meeting the local tourism service capacity. During the year, funds were allocated to implement 3 infrastructure investment projects at tourist sites with a total capital of over 37 billion VND; districts and cities independently allocated investment capital and called for socialized investment in many infrastructure projects at tourist sites; creating favorable conditions to connect and shorten travel time for tourists, promoting the development of tourism in the province.
Son La province has approved investment policies for 11 tourism projects with a total registered investment capital of VND 1,321 billion. To date, the province has attracted 65 tourism projects with a registered capital of VND 25,654 billion. Currently, the province has over 600 accommodation establishments, including 8 hotels of 3 stars or higher, and the rest are community guesthouses, homestays, etc., meeting the accommodation and leisure needs of tourists visiting Son La.
Mr. Tran Xuan Viet, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: The department has coordinated with the General Department of Tourism, travel companies and districts and cities in the province to conduct surveys to assess the current state of tourism resources, potential and strengths of each locality; thereby, guiding the construction and development of unique, distinctive, and professional tourism products, creating new products and refreshing existing tourism products to attract tourists to Son La.
During the year, two tourist destinations were assessed and recognized. Currently, the province has 12 recognized tourist areas and destinations, including: 1 national tourist area, 1 provincial-level tourist area, and 10 provincial-level tourist destinations. Son La's tourism is developed based on inheriting, developing, and perfecting five existing types of tourism: agricultural ecotourism; cultural and historical tourism; community tourism; resort, entertainment, and health tourism; and thematic tourism, with tourism infrastructure gradually becoming more synchronized, modern, and professional.
Heart-shaped island on the reservoir of a hydroelectric power plant in Quynh Nhai district.
In 2024, Son La welcomed 4.9 million visitors, an increase of 7.5% compared to 2023; revenue is estimated at 5,800 billion VND, an increase of 22.1% compared to 2023. The role of the tourism industry in the socio-economic development of the province is increasingly being enhanced.
Entering the new year 2025, Son La province will focus on developing tourism in a diversified and multi-faceted manner, based on the selective exploitation of natural, cultural, historical, social, and human resources. Emphasis will be placed on developing tourism rapidly and sustainably, linked to the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultural identity, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and local products. The province will intensify promotional activities, build its brand and image as a tourism destination, and gradually establish Son La as a tourism hub in the Northwest region.
Source: Son La Newspaper