Ba Ria-Vung Tau sets eyes on tourism growth

According to a report from Ba Ria-Vung Tau Department of Tourism on the province’s performance in the first 10 months of the year, the province had welcomed over 14.4 million visitors, achieving almost 93 per cent of its annual target and marking a 20 per cent increase on-year. Overnight stays were just under 4.5 million, up 17 per cent compared to the same period last year. Total tourism revenue climbed to $616 million, a 21 per cent on-year rise, with accommodation services alone contributing $220 million, up close to 18.5 per cent.

Photo: Kim Vinh/baobariavungtau.com.vn

In a bid to sustain momentum during the low season, the provincial tourism sector has launched extensive stimulus programmes. These initiatives include discounts of between 10 and 65 per cent on accommodation, dining, and tour services, coupled with enhanced offerings to ensure no compromise on service quality. "The scheme is supported by 34 businesses and aims to draw in tourists through value-added experiences," Trinh Hang, director of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Department of Tourism, told VIR.

Meanwhile, Hoang Ngoc Linh, vice chairman of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Tourism Association, said, "Many hotels and resorts have extended promotional packages until February 2025 or beyond, with additional discounts for loyal customers and traditional partners."

Ba Ria-Vung Tau Department of Tourism has also unveiled a comprehensive list of 230 attractions and 54 tourism routes, including 12 tailored for cruise ship visitors. Key hotspots such as Vung Tau city and Xuyen Moc district lead in hosting capacity, while traditional craft villages, like the Hoa Long rice wine village and the An Ngai rice paper village, are being developed for community-based tourism.

To further elevate its standing on the domestic and international tourism map, Ba Ria-Vung Tau People's Committee has issued Decision No.2538/QD-UBND, detailing a comprehensive tourism development plan through 2025, with a vision to 2030.

The province aims to attract nearly 44 million visitors in 2025, including nine million overnight stays, generating approximately $1.25 billion in revenue. By 2030, these numbers are expected to surge to 65 million visitors, with 17 million overnight stays and revenue nearing $4.1 billion.

Key priorities include the development of beach resorts, ecotourism, events, and cultural and historical tours, along with a distinctive branding strategy. Tourism is anticipated to contribute 6.5-7 per cent of the province’s regional GDP next year, and it is expected that by 2030, tourism will have become a key economic driver, contributing 12 per cent to the regional GDP, with sustainable development at its core.

Looking further ahead, the province envisions becoming Southeast Asia’s premier coastal leisure and entertainment hub by 2050, doubling tourism revenue and visitor expenditures compared to 2030.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau is also prioritising green tourism initiatives, community-based tourism, and responsible tourism, ensuring environmental conservation and the preservation of cultural values. The plan emphasises integrating tourism with national security and social stability, particularly in coastal areas.

Tourists and locals participate in the Green Con Dao tour. Photo: Dang Khoa/baobariavungtau.com.vn

To achieve these goals, the province is ramping up investment in recreational projects, improving the business environment, and enhancing workforce training. Advanced technologies and international cooperation are also being leveraged to create innovative tourism offerings, particularly in marine and island tourism.

Cultural preservation remains the focus, with efforts to promote civilised tourism practices and elevate public awareness of tourism’s role in socioeconomic development. Digital transformation is underway to enhance the tourist experience, while large-scale entertainment and ecotourism projects are being developed to entice high-end visitors.