Lao Cai targets 8.5 million tourist arrivals in 2024
In the wake of an impressive recovery in 2023, the tourism sector in the northern border province of Lao Cai is on a transformative journey, unveiling novel experiences and products as it sets its sights on the ambitious goal of hosting 8.5 million visitors this year.
Lao Cai (VNA)ꩲ – In the wake of an impressive recovery in 2023, the tourism sector in the northern border province of Lao Cai is on a transformative journey, unveiling novel experiences and products as it sets its sights on the ambitious goal of hosting 8.5 million visitors this year.
The sector wasted no time in making its mark in 2024, with a remarkable surge in tourist arrivals during the three-day New Year holidays, registering an impressive increase of 27% year on year. Total tourism revenue soared to approximately 467 billion VND (19.4 million USD), reflecting 9% year-on-year growth. Notably, the hotel room occupancy rate across the province reached 75%, with Sa Pa National Tourist Area boasting an exceptional 90-95%.
During the Lunar New Year (Tet) holidays from February 8-14, the province anticipates a significant influx of tourists drawn by a captivating array of cultural, art and sport activities. A promise of memorable and joyful experiences awaits visitors, setting an auspicious tone for the New Year.
With the target of welcoming 8.5 million tourists and generating revenue surpassing 27 trillion VND this year, Director of the provincial Tourism Department Ha Van Thang outlined strategic plans for Sa Pa township. The focus is on developing outstanding tourism products, emphasising festivals for each season. This approach aims to effectively amplify the Sa Pa tourism brand and extend the duration of visitors' stays.
Bac Ha traditional horse race attracts numerous visitors (Photo: VNA)
Beyond Sa Pa, Lao Cai envisions the development of Bao Yen district into a spiritual tourism hub for the northwest region and the entire country. Boasting three national-level and seven provincial-level historical and cultural relics, along with Bao Ha temple complex, the district annually attracts over 1 million visitors for sightseeing and worship.
Looking to the future, Lao Cai city is positioned to become an irresistible tourist destination, introducing high-end entertainment tourism products, including a casino, golf course, amusement park, and MICE facilities. The northern area intends to serve as a pivotal bridge for international tours connecting with Yunnan (China) and vice versa./.
Localities in the northern mountainous border province of Lao Cai and Hekou district in China’s Yunnan province will bolster collaboration in the areas of economy, trade, and industrial parks in the time to come, heard a working session held in Lao Cai city on December 31.
Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh and Sa Pa township in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai have been listed among the world’s trending destinations by the renowned travel site TripAdvisor.
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By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
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Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
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Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
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Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Sa Pa in Lao Cai province (Photo: VNA)
Bac Ha traditional horse race attracts numerous visitors (Photo: VNA)
