The Standing Board of the Expanded Northwest Tourism Development Cooperation Committee gathered leaders and authorities from eight Northwest provinces in Phu Tho province on February 25, 2016 under the technical support of the EU-funded Environmentally and Socially Responsible Tourism Capacity Development Programme (EU-ESRT, funded by the EU). The meeting discussed cooperation plans for the National Tourism Year 2017 to be held in Lao Cai province and across the region next year.
At the meeting, Head of the International Advisory Group under the EU-ESRT, Ms Mary McKeon, delivered a report on technical aspects with two keynotes, namely “Promoting and implementing National Tourism Year 2017” with remarks on activities in support of the National Tourism Year proposed by eight provinces. She also introduced good practices for the National Tourism Year from Malaysia, South Korea and Europe.
She noted that to make the National Tourism Year 2017 successful, Vietnam needs to give top priority for events throughout the year, connecting related events and organise new events to leave an impression. Besides, it is necessary to link central events and open at least two international events each quarter.
She also stressed on the important participation of the business sector, marketing activities and brand identity system. Besides, to increase the effect of the National Tourism Year, provinces in the region need to focus in three years (2016, 2017 and 2018).
In 2016, the EU-ESRT will support northwestern provinces to participate in the Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2016 in Hanoi and organise a press conference under the framework of the fair to announce activities in 2016 as well as scheduled events for the 2017 National Tourism Year.
Under the auspices of the Northwestern Steering Committee and under the sponsorship of the Vietnam Tourism Association together with Vietnam Airlines, the 500-square metre Northwest Tourism 2016 booth in VITM 2016 will showcase local tourism, advertise local tourism brands and introduce responsible tourism.
The booth is designed to show Northwest characteristics, including natural splendour, unique cultural diversity, fascinating history and friendly hospitable people. Visitors also had a chance to learn about local tourism products and services, purchase handicrafts and food specialties, and watch traditional arts performances.
In 2008, eight Northwest provinces namely Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau and Ha Giang signed an agreement on tourism development cooperation to tap local tourism potential and promote tourism growth. Cooperation has covered policy enforcement, tourism product development, human resource training and development, and tourism promotion. The Northwest is defined by EU-ESRT Project as one of five key areas in need of support for responsible tourism development beside Quang Ninh (Ha Long), North Central, Central Coast and the Mekong Delta.
Giang Tu
Vietnamese
