Lao Cai: 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. 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./. Source: Vietnam News Agency Da Nang: Da Nang has welcomed international and domestic flights as well as cruise liners transporting tens of thousands of holidaymakers who came to explore the central coastal city during Lunar New Year (Tet) holidays lasting from February 8 to February 14 this year. During this period, it is estimated that there will be around 894 domestic and international flights arriving in Da Nang, up 16% year-on-year. The city's Tien Sa Port, meanwhile, is expected to host three international vessels staying overnight with a total of over 3,400 passengers onboard. Truong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, said the total number of visitors to the central economic hub is anticipated to reach near 362,000, an annual increase of 23% compared to the same period in 2023, including 172,000 foreign and 190,000 domestic tourists. These are promising signals for the beginning of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon, given the city's expectations for new successes in the development of the tourism indu stry as one of its key economic sectors. In 2024, Da Nang aims to serve more than 8.42 million visitors staying overnight, including 2.5 million foreigners and rising over 13.8% compared to 2023. Revenue from accommodation, dining, and travel services is expected to exceed 30.8 trillion VND (1.26 billion USD), an annual growth rate of more than 10%. Hanh said that Da Nang is currently increasing its investment in tourism products to ensure service quality and meet the needs and tastes of tourists. The city has so far developed nine groups of products, including festival-event, cultural-historical, entertainment, and MICE tourism, beach tourism combined with resort real estate, and those offering night tours, golf and wedding services, among others./. Source: Vietnam News Agency