Binh Thuan (VNA) – A seminar on the sustainable management of tourist destinations was held on February 23 inBinh Thuan as one of the first activities opening the Visit Vietnam Year 2023 hosted by the south central province.

Nguyen Minh, ViceChairman of the People’s Committee of Binh Thuan, said that the seminar aimed to provide local travelfirms and the management boards of tourist destinations and sites knowledge ofsustainable area management, while sharing experience in tourism development betweenVietnam and Japan.

Ha Van Sieu, Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said that the VisitVietnam Year 2023’s theme “Binh Thuan - Green Convergence” affirms Binh Thuan’scommitment to green growth and environmentally-friendly tourism products, contributingto promoting tourism in association with other economic sectors, and creatingjobs for the local community.

Participants at theevent discussed various issues, including the prerequisites for sustainabletourism areas; key steps to initiate sustainable area management; and thesettlement of socio-economic problems and measures to improve people's income.Some localities such as Lai Chau, Ninh Binh and Quang Binh provinces shared their experiencein ensuring sustainability in tourism activities.

They highlighted theneed for higher quality human resources for tourism management and the jointefforts of all parties in protecting the environment at tourist destinations.

With a coastline of nearly 200km and rich natural landscapes as well as historical and cultural relicsites, Binh Thuan boasts high potential for the development of various tourismtypes, especially maritime eco-tourism.

In particular, Mui Ne is considered a highlight of local tourism as it is hometo one of the most beautiful natural beaches in Vietnam. It is also dubbed the“kingdom of resorts” with about 600 resorts and hotels and 1,000 condotels. The province has established itself as one of the top Vietnamese destinations forbeach-loving travellers.

In January, Binh Thuan welcomed nearly 700,000 visitors, including nearly24,000 foreign arrivals, respectively rising 2.1-fold and 4.6-fold from a yearearlier. Tourism revenue also soared 2.9-fold to about 1.79 trillion VND(nearly 75.9 million USD), according to the province’s tourism promotioninformation centre.

The province is attractive for tourism investors with more than 300 projects underway.

Last year, Binh Thuanwelcomed more than 5.7 million visitors, 3.2 times higher than that in 2021,including 88,000 foreigners, earning about 13.68 trillion VND (574.18 million USD).

By hosting the VisitVietnam Year 2023, Binh Thuan hopes to receive 6.5 million tourists this year./.