Bien Ho, also called To Nung, was previously a giant volcano mouth in the north of Pleiku city (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Enhancing regionalconnectivity is key to fulfilling the tourism potential of the CentralHighlands, according to the Government’s master plan on tourism development forthe period through 2020.
Though the plan envisions connecting localitiesin the region and creating unique tourism products, the tourism sector has notachieved any significant breakthroughs so far.
Tran Hung Viet, General Director ofSaigontourist, said it was necessary to have a thorough master planning andplans on regional connectivity, thus creating synergies to fulfil the tourismpotential and boost investment.
Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Deputy Director of the LamDong provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said provinces inthe Central Highlands found it difficult to create distinctive products sincethey had so much in common.
The Central Highlands should create a cleartourism brand before its provinces create their own brands and determine theirproducts, she said
After making comprehensive plans for the CentralHighlands and its localities, relevant authorities should collaborate withtravel agencies to take the products to potential tourists, she added.
Travel agencies have been reluctant to make useof existing products, she said.
The Central Highlands has great potential fortourism, with its spectacular waterfalls, forests, mountains, ethnic groupswith rich culture, and others.
Some popular destinations include Lung LengArchaeological Site, Ngoc Linh Mountain, Yali Waterfalls, Mang Den EcotourismSite, Chu Mom Ray National Park in Kon Tum province; Chu Dang Ya VolcanicMountain, Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve in Gia Lai province; and Lac Pond,Draynur Waterfalls, Yok Don National Park in Dak Lak province.
The Central Highlands is also known for its gongculture, which was recognised by UNESCO in 2005 as a Masterpiece of theIntangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In fact, each province in the area has somedistinctive attractions that can be used to boost tourism.
While Lam Dong province is blessed with coolweather, green nature and some intangible values, Gia Lai province has manyinteresting cultural stories and literary gems related to Stor village, Nup Hero,and others during the wartime.
Dak Nong province has immense cultural varietyin the form of some 40 minor ethnic groups.-VNA
VNA
