Promoting coastal tourism development in Ben Tre province

The year 2023 signifies a year of resurgence for tourism following the Covid-19 pandemic in Ben Tre province, and most importantly, the Mekong Delta region. Multiple businesses have gradually overcome challenges through strategies and initiatives tailored to the needs of tourists. Consequently, local tourism activities have experienced a notable recovery.

Mr. Nguyen Tan Vang, the proprietor of the Nguoi Giu Rung tourism area, located in Thanh Phuoc commune, Binh Dai district, shared that his business capitalizes on the region's strength in aquaculture. According to Mr. Vang, visitors typically partake in a day-long program as farmers, engaging in agricultural activities such as harvesting green grass jelly, crab catching, oyster trapping, clam digging, and conch shell collection beneath the mangrove canopy.

"We have actively collaborated with partners in the promotion and establishment of tour connections. Additionally, we have increased our online presence and diversified our service, entertainment, and exploration options. Presently, we welcome approximately 1,500 visitors each month, recovering to around 70% of pre-Covid-19 levels," stated Mr. Vang.

Transforming tourism into a leading economic sector

The Resolution for the development of Ben Tre province from 2021 to 2025, with a vision towards 2030, identifies the province's extensive 65-kilometer coastline as a significant advantage. The coastal economy has made significant progress, with rapid development in eco-tourism along the coast contributing to economic growth, supported by three key coastal districts. Accordingly, the province aims to comprehensively develop the tourism sector, thereby transforming it into a key economic driver which significantly contributes to the local growth.

Mr. Tran Ngoc Tam, Chairman of the Ben Tre Provincial People's Committee, stated: "In the overall development direction for the province's economy and tourism sector, Thanh Phu plays a crucial role in the eastward development. Namely, Thanh Phu must achieve breakthroughs in high-tech shrimp farming by utilizing its significant potential. Secondly, Thanh Phu must reinforce its strengths to become the tourism hub for the coastal districts. Thanh Phu has organized numerous cultural festivals in associaton with tourism, thereby enhancing Thanh Phu tourism strengths as well as the province as a whole."

Thanh Phu's tourism sector featured a highlight in 2023 with the successful organization of the 2023 Cultural, Sports, and Coastal Tourism Week titled "Thanh Phu Coastal Tourism: Integration and Development" at the Ho Chi Minh Sea Trail historical site in Thanh Hai commune. Accordingly, the event attracted over 30,000 visitors nationwide.

According to its Tourism Development Plan until 2030, tourism is slated to become the leading economic sector in Thanh Phu district with 2.5 million tourists and employment opportunities for 2,500 workers. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tan, Vice Chairman of the Thanh Phu district People's Committee, shared: "Thanh Phu has multiple solutions to reshape ecological agricultural models such as high-tech mango, cordycep, and shrimp farming. These products are the core values of Thanh Phu district's tourim sector. Additionally, the district aims to introduce wind-powered tourism services, reorganize the Con Bung Tourism Area, and create a more orderly and sophisticated seafood market. Additionally, special emphasis is placed on the development of two cultural tourism villages: Thanh Phong - Thanh Hai and Dai Dien - Phu Khanh."

Mr. Lu Van Nhuong, Head of Binh Dai district's Department of Culture and Information, affirmed that Binh Dai will develop towards sustainable green tourism in association with digital transformation. Furthermore, Binh Dai will have a coastal road linked to several wind power projects and deep-water ports. Accordingly, the district will attract investment in resort tourism, entertainment, and experiential activities.

"Binh Dai is currently implementing the Tourism Development Plan until 2030, with a vision towards 2045. Namely, the district is planning to develop a large tourism area on Chai Muoi Island which covers an area of 700 hectares. However, the district is faced with multiple legal issues regarding forest land. Provincial local governments  are currently proposing the Provincial People's Committee a plan to promote forest protection in addition to eco-safe tourism activities," stated Mr. Nhuong.

Ben Tre province's tourism sector currently aims to develop products and tourist routes; consolidate, improve, develop, enhance quality, and accentuate the unique features of "Coconut Land Tourism" with existing types of tourism activities such ecotourism, cultural and historical tourism, community tourism in association with traditional craft villages, agricultural tourism, etc. Furthermore, local unique and attractive tourism programs and services are attracting visitors to Ben Tre province for sightseeing and experience.