Binh Thuan tourism development in Vietnam

The rapid recent development of Binh Thuan’s tourism industry has contributed to poverty reduction and revived local people’s interest in preserving their culture, said Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) general director Hoang Tuan Anh.

According to a report by Binh Thuan’s Department of Tourism, some 1.6mil tourists - 150,000 from abroad - visited the province last year.

And during the first quarter of 2007, 500,000 tourists - 67,000 from abroad - have visited the province.

Binh Thuan also attracted 384 investment projects worth some VND11,000bil (US$687mil) last year.

Anh said Mui Ne beach was particularly popular with holidaymakers and health tourists, adding that the VietNam National Administration of Tourism had done a good job in promoting the tourism benefits of Binh Thuan through its marketing strategies and promotional events.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism general director said the province had unique attractions such as an attractive coastline suitable for watersports and a rich and varied culture that make it a popular holiday destination.

He added that the provincial authority had set itself the goal of bringing tourist facilities in Phan Thiet up to national standards by 2010.

According to the plan, the province will build a shopping mall in the city, as well as a discotheque and a number of recreational centres to attract foreign travellers - particularly from Russia.

In recent years, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has invested some VND88bil ($5.5mil) in infrastructure projects such as a sea embankment and upgrading the city’s water supply system. Money has also been poured into environmental preservation.

The province has a budget of $20bil ($1.2mil) earmarked for tourism development in Phan Thiet.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is planning to organise a national level seminar on seaside tourism development and management.

Anh said Phan Thiet City planned to focus investment on promoting particular attractions, such as the red coral reef in Mui Ne.

The province was also looking to attract foreign investment for a casino on Cu Lao Cau Island, he said.

(Source: Viet Nam News)