The art program "The Military March Resounds Forever" celebrates the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army.

Adhering closely to its assigned tasks, in 2024, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism continued to implement Conclusion No. 335-KL/TU dated July 26, 2021, of the Provincial Party Committee on building and developing culture and people in Son La to meet the requirements of sustainable development in the 2021-2025 period, with a vision to 2030; and the Project on the Development of Physical Education and Sports in Son La province in the 2021-2030 period... A notable achievement was the completion and achievement one year ahead of schedule of two major goals identified in the Resolution of the 15th Provincial Party Congress, namely: Moc Chau National Tourist Area was officially recognized according to the provisions of the Tourism Law (becoming the 8th National Tourist Area recognized nationwide); The Son La hydropower reservoir area has been officially included in the national tourism system plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045, as stipulated in Decision 509/QD-TTg dated June 13, 2024, of the Prime Minister.

Ms. Hoang Ngan Hoan, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated: The sector has effectively implemented the work of preserving and promoting cultural values, building an advanced culture rich in national identity, and developing well-rounded individuals. The intangible cultural heritage "Rain-Praying Festival of the White Thai people" in Muong Sang commune, Moc Chau district, and the "Xip Xi Tet Ritual of the White Thai people" in Phu Yen and Quynh Nhai districts have been included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; 95 historical and cultural relics and scenic spots in the list continue to receive attention, protection, investment, restoration, and value promotion; more than 24,000 documents and artifacts have been inventoried, preserved, and their value promoted.

During the year, the Department also successfully advised on and organized many cultural events, creating a deep and widespread impression and receiving enthusiastic support from the people, such as: successfully hosting the 29th Regional Fine Arts Exhibition of Region III (Northwest - Viet Bac) in 2024 in Son La province; a series of cultural, sports and tourism events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, linked with the 65th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh and the Central Delegation's visit and speech to cadres, soldiers and people of ethnic minorities in the Northwest region at Son La...

Happy Land Moc Chau is a destination that attracts many tourists.

Professional art is increasingly developing in depth and quality, with many art programs being created and performed at major provincial events and for the public. Meritorious Artist Doan The Hung, Director of the Provincial Song and Dance Theatre, reported: In 2024, the theatre organized 115 cultural programs, serving over 150,000 viewers; participated in the 2024 National Song and Dance Festival, winning a Gold Medal for the entire troupe with the art program "Bird's Nest on the Mountainside," 2 Gold Medals and 4 Silver Medals for individual performances, and 1 collective and 2 individuals receiving outstanding awards.

In the field of sports, the province has achieved many impressive results at domestic and international sports competitions, bringing glory to the province and the country. Provincial athletes participated in 46 regional, national, and international competitions, winning 148 medals, including 36 gold, 38 silver, and 74 bronze medals, exceeding the planned target by 118%. Notably, female martial artist Quàng Thị Thu Nghĩa won her fourth gold medal at the World Pencak Silat Championship and was voted the best athlete of the tournament.

Son La Province Tourism Brand Award Ceremony.

Making Son La a popular tourist destination in the Northwest region contributes to the province's socio-economic growth and development. Many events and activities were successfully organized: the Son La - Hua Phan Cultural Tourism Festival in 2024; and three Son La tourism competitions held on digital platforms (Beautiful Tourism Photos, Tourism Video Clips, and the Son La Tourism Brand Recognition Award). Tourism targets were met and exceeded, attracting 4.9 million tourists, reaching 107% of the plan; and tourism revenue reached 5,800 billion VND, reaching 122% of the plan.

The achievements of 2024 serve as motivation for the Culture, Sports and Tourism sector to enter 2025 with high determination to successfully complete assigned tasks and build culture into a truly solid spiritual foundation of society.

Source: Son La Newspaper