Conference on implementing tourism and Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in 2025

In 2024, the DOCST advised the Subcommittee and the Steering Committee to implement breakthrough content on Tourism - Services for the period 2021-2025; at the same time, effectively coordinated the implementation of Program No. 09-CTr/TU of the Provincial Party Committee on building and innovating mechanisms and policies to improve the investment and business environment, attracting strategic investors.

The work of building, preserving and developing geoparks has achieved many positive results. Notably, the successful coordination of the organization of the 8^th Asia-Pacific Geopark Network Symposium in 2024 has left a good impression on domestic and international delegates. In addition, the work of ensuring the tourism environment is regularly inspected and monitored; tourism human resources are gradually supplemented, and the quality of human resources is gradually improved.

 In 2024, the total number of visitors is estimated at 1,834,730, down 5.68% over the same period, reaching 83.4% of the plan. Of which, international tourists are estimated at 49,097, up 43% over the same period, reaching 49.1% of the plan; domestic tourists are estimated at 1,790,846, down 6.2% over the same period, reaching 85.3% of the plan. Total tourism revenue is estimated at 1,466 billion VND, up 9.8% over the same period, reaching 97.8% of the plan. Room occupancy rate is estimated at 48.5%.

At the conference, delegates presented their discussions on: The implementation situation and proposals to contribute to the effective exploitation of border tourism products in Cao Bang province; The implementation situation of "Resolution No. 78/2021/NQ-HDND promulgating regulations on policies to support the development of community tourism in Cao Bang province until 2025"; The fact and solutions to promote digital transformation of tourism in Cao Bang province; Results of implementing the Resolution of the District Party Executive Committee (Term XX) on sustainable development of Tourism - Services in 2024. Delegates focused on discussing solutions to promote digital transformation in tourism, develop typical tourism products and services, and effectively implement the tourism stimulus program "Vietnam - Go to love" in Cao Bang province. The comments revolved around promoting the role of the Tourism Association in connecting and supporting businesses to promote the development of eco-tourism associated with the conservation of natural resources, promoting national cultural values, diversifying and improving the quality of tourism products and services. Thereby, contributing to building a Cao Bang tourism brand rich in identity, with sustainable appeal, creating a distinct mark to prolong the length of stay, increase the rate of returning visitors, and make tourism a driving force for socio-economic development of the province.

In 2025, the Subcommittee will continue to strengthen the comunication, management, inspection and supervision of tourism activities; encourage localities and enterprises to promote cooperation, promote promotion, attract investment, develop new products; implement communication activities to support the development of rural tourism, ethnic minority and mountainous areas; call for investment according to the list of investment projects in the fields of tourism, trade and services; continue to research and develop unique tourism products; build and effectively implement the plan on the construction and development of the UNESCO Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark for the period 2026 - 2030, the task of re-evaluating the title of Geopark in 2025; continue to promote digital transformation in the tourism sector, improve the quality of training courses and fostering tourism human resources.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Trinh Truong Huy, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee emphasized the important role of tourism in local socio-economic development. He requested the DOCST with all levels, sectors, localities, enterprises and business households to focus on removing difficulties, improving service quality, while preserving and promoting national cultural identity to create a driving force for sustainable development of the tourism industry. In particular, focusing on building a systematic tourism development strategy, clearly identifying typical products with potential and competitive advantages, especially those associated with Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark. On that basis, deploying solutions to support and encouraging businesses and individuals to invest in developing high-quality tourism products. Emphasizing the need to strengthen the connection between the accommodation system, tourism services with OCOP products in the experiential tourism route of the Geopark as well as the importance of promoting digital transformation in tourism, applying technology to improve the tourist experience and create many new, unique and attractive products. In order to realize the goal of turning tourism into a spearhead economic sector in the spirit of the Resolution of the 19th Provincial Party Congress, term 2020 - 2025, he requested relevant units to carefully prepare the 16th tourism program "Through the Viet Bac Heritage Sites" hosted by Cao Bang, contributing to promoting the image, attracting investment and promoting sustainable tourism development.

On this occasion, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism commended 5 collectives and 5 individuals who have made many contributions to the development of provincial tourism in 2024; awarded certificates to 10 official partners of the UNESCO Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark for the period 2022 - 2025. Launched a competition for organizations and individuals contributing to the development of the province's tourism industry.