Ba Ria-Vung Tau eyes tourism advances

According to data released by the southern province’s Department of Tourism at the end of December, Ba Ria-Vung Tau welcomed over 16 million visitors in 2024, reflecting a 13 per cent on-year increase. Notably, nearly 5 million of these were overnight visitors, marking an 11 per cent rise and underscoring significant improvements in both accommodation services and the overall quality of the destination.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau eyes tourism advances

Tourism revenue in 2024 soared to $692.5 million, a 14.57 per cent increase from the previous year, and accommodation services alone generated $249.6 million, up 13 per cent.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau Department of Tourism credits these positive outcomes to sustained efforts to elevate service standards, encourage the region’s tourism assets, and leverage digital tools to engage a wider audience of domestic and international visitors.

A key driver of this growth has been the successful hosting of various high-profile national and international events. In 2024, more than 50 sports competitions were held in the region, drawing thousands of visitors.

Beyond sports, the province has made significant strides as a cultural hub, with music festivals and concerts in Ho Tram and Vung Tau city attracting people seeking entertainment and cultural enrichment.

At the end of December, the province launched Ba Ria-Vung Tau Tourism Week. This event was not only a cultural and entertainment highlight but also an important boost for the province’s tourism and trade economy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Le Ngoc Khanh, Vice Chairman of Ba Ria-Vung Tau People’s Committee, noted that annual events can become a distinctive cultural product with its own identity and brand.

“This is not only an opportunity for Ba Ria-Vung Tau to showcase its potential and advantages but also a chance for residents and tourists to experience unique products and engage in cultural exchanges,” Khanh said. “Additionally, it serves as an occasion for the province to present itself to domestic and foreign investors, opening up new investment opportunities, particularly in ecotourism and high-end resort development.”

In 2024, Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s tourism industry was marked by a strong emphasis on sustainable development and the promotion of a green economy. The province launched a series of environmental protection initiatives, urging both businesses and residents to minimise the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, improve waste sorting at the source, and increase the planting of green spaces in hotspots.

Con Dao, in particular, has capitalised on ecotourism, offering nature-based experiences that promote conservation. One of the standout attractions is a sea turtle release tour. Participants get a rare chance to engage in the conservation efforts of this endangered species by learning about the egg incubation process and helping release hatchlings into the sea at dawn. Trekking tours through lush forests have also proven popular with nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

The province has also increasingly become a top destination for affluent travellers, thanks to its modern infrastructure and world-class resorts. Ho Tram stands out as a prime hub for luxury resorts and entertainment, with an emphasis on both relaxation and adventure.

A representative from The Grand Ho Tram highlighted that in 2024, the resort successfully attracted visitors from South Korea, China, and India, thanks to its all-inclusive luxury offerings designed for closed-loop holiday experiences. “During the peak tourism season, The Grand Ho Tram hosted a range of events that drew international winter visitors and overseas Vietnamese, resulting in full occupancy throughout the year,” the representative told VIR.

Other upscale resorts in the region, including Angsana, Dhawa Ho Tram, Carmelina Beach Resort, Emerald Ho Tram Resort, and Meliá Ho Tram, also reported exceptional success. These properties have leveraged the region’s expansive, flat beaches to host groups, especially team-building activities, which helped cultivate team cohesion and contributed to the growing reputation of Ho Tram as a luxury destination.

According to Lieu Thi Phuong, CEO of Charm Group, Ho Tram is emerging as a dynamic and youthful leader in Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s tourism industry and the broader Southeast region. “We expect that 2025 will mark a transformative year for Ho Tram, with the inauguration of Long Thanh International Airport and the completion of Bien Hoa-Vung Tau Expressway. This will unlock new opportunities for international and event tourism, particularly from Ho Chi Minh City,” Lieu said.

Ho Tram is also gaining recognition for its golf offerings, with The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Golf Course ranked 68th on Golf Digest’s list of the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses for 2024. The course was also named the Best Golf Course in Southeast Asia at the World Luxury Travel Awards.

Building on its strong growth trajectory, Ba Ria-Vung Tau is targeting over 18.3 million visitors in 2025, with more than 5.6 million overnight guests, including 292,000 international visitors. The region’s tourism revenue is projected to surpass $860 million.

According to its leaders, Ba Ria-Vung Tau plans to enhance its offerings by expanding 5-star accommodations, introducing premium service programmes, and creating compelling attractions for both domestic and international travellers.

In addition to infrastructure and accommodation upgrades, Ba Ria-Vung Tau is also committed to diversifying its tourism products, focusing on unique, high-end experiences that stand out in the market.

CON DAO ISLAND IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Con Dao in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province has been designated as a national tourist destination of regional and international significance, with a priority on developing ecotourism, high-end resorts, and cultural-historical-spiritual tourism.

Con Dao and eco-luxury hotels and resorts around the island, well-known as Six Senses Con Dao and The Secret Con Dao, are thoughtfully designed to connect guests with nature while providing the ultimate in comfort and privacy. They are built using sustainable materials and natural ventilation techniques, providing panoramic ocean views, inviting guests to unwind and immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings.