Ba Ria – Vung Tau works on driving tourism growth

The coastal urban and entertainment complex along the DT 994 route, connecting Vung Tau, Long Hai, Phuoc Hai, Ho Tram, Phuoc Thuan, and Binh Thuan. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi – The southeastern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau is focusing on improving existing tourism services, expanding entertainment options, and developing upscale beachfront resorts to attract international visitors.

These efforts are underway to leverage unprecedented growth poised for the sector in the region given the ongoing construction of the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway and Long Thanh International Airport.

Creating new attractions for domestic tourists

Although Ba Ria – Vung Tau has improved its tourism quality and image in recent years, it has lagged behind neighbouring Binh Thuan province. In 2023, the latter welcomed nearly 9 million visitors, generating approximately 22.3 trillion VND (897.47 million USD) in revenue, up 63% from the previous year. Ba Ria – Vung Tau, meanwhile, received over 14.1 million tourists, an annual increase of 15%, with the revenue being over 28% higher than 2022, at 14.7 trillion VND – significant but still modest in comparison.

The province’s proximity to the southern economic hub Ho Chi Minh City and densely populated provinces such as Dong Nai and Binh Duong has led to visitor surges during holidays, while weekdays remain quiet due to limited attractions. The absence of distinctive tourism products has restricted tourists’ spending opportunities, hence a mismatch between visitor volume and revenue.

To address this, Ba Ria – Vung Tau is working to upgrade its tourism environment in a modern and sustainable manner. In areas like Phuoc Hai in Dat Do district and Ho Tram in Xuyen Moc district, luxury resorts and golf courses have been planned to attract high-end tourists. In Vung Tau city, which hosts 40-50% of the province’s annual visitors, large recreational areas have been planned for Ward 12 and Road Ba Thang Hai (February 3) to cater to families and children.

The province is also creating more accessible beach areas by transforming the Bai Sau area into parks and public beaches. By 2030, it aims to add 11 hotels rated at least five stars and establish cruise ports to welcome international visitors in Vung Tau.

The “Sac mau mua he” (Colours of Summer) kite festival features various kite clubs and artisans, launching 80-100 vibrant kites of all sizes and types, entertaining visitors throughout a 2023 tourism programme in Ba Ria-Vung Tau. (Photo: VNA)

Enhancing regional connectivity to attract international visitors

In the first nine months of 2024, close to 13.5 million tourists visited Ba Ria – Vung Tau, a 22.3% year-on-year increase. Of the total figure, domestic arrivals amounted to some 4.3 million. As a result, the province reeled in revenue worth over 14.1 trillion VND, up more than 23% annually.

Experts note that elevated airfare costs this year have led many travelers to opt for nearby destinations accessible by road, as a cost-saving measure. This trend has significantly boosted the number of visitors to the province, particularly from neighbouring localities.

Thanks to Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism, Ba Ria – Vung Tau hosted a fam trip-group of 20 travel agencies from China, Thailand, and the UAE, showcasing its tourism products in Ho Tram, which is positioned as the province's premier luxury destination.

Trinh Hang, Director of the provincial Department of Tourism, said that the province plans to strengthen ties with HCM City and tour operators to increase international arrivals. The aim is for a third of the southern metropolis’s foreign tourists to spend one or two days in Ba Ria – Vung Tau./.