In 2023, Hoa Binh tourism prospered, the number of tourists coming to Hoa Binh province increased. The whole province is estimated to welcome 3,800,000 tourists, an increase of 21.5% over the same period last year, reaching 108.6% of the year's plan. Of which, there were 450,000 international visitors, an increase of 227.2% compared to the same period last year (reaching 100% of the year's plan); Domestic visitors 3,350,000, increased 12% compared to the same period last year, reaching 109.8% of the year plan. Total revenue from tourists: 4,000 billion VND, increased 10.7% compared to the same period last year, reaching 102.6% of the year’s plan.

Tourists come to Y Mua homestay - Hang Kia commune (Mai Chau)

The international tourist market to Hoa Binh is mainly from Korea, accounting for about 70% (Visitors to Phuong Hoang Golf Course, Luong Son district); The remaining are traditional international tourist markets from France, Australia, England, etc. and potential markets of China, Taiwan, America, Germany. For the Southeast Asian market, in the current period, special attention should be paid to nearby markets, connected by road and air routes. The domestic tourist market is still the main source of tourists for Hoa Binh, visitors come from Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and localities in the Northern region.

To achieve the above results, right from the beginning of the year, Hoa Binh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has directed specialized departments to well implement plans, key tasks and solutions for tourism development. Hoa Binh province in 2023 such as effectively implementing Resolutions, Programs, Projects, and Tourism Development Plans proposed by the Central Government and the province. Building communication campaigns, promoting and promoting Hoa Binh tourism. Promote reform of administrative procedures, organize training and foster tourism skills for local people, improve the quality of tourism human resources; Strengthen links and cooperation in tourism development with provinces such as: attending the Northwest Quintessence Festival series of events in Ho Chi Minh City; Northwest Tourism - Culture Week expands in Can Tho city, 2023; Participate in the Northwest Tourism Fair 2023" in Phu Tho; Participate in exhibiting in the Ethnic Culture Festival at Lai Chau Tourism and Culture Week 2023.

       Hoa Binh participated in the booth at Lai Chau Tourism - Culture Week 2023

Especially from November 17-19, 2023, Hoa Binh province successfully organized the 2023 Expanded Northwest Province Community Tourism Village Festival with the participation of more than 300 officials and artisans of 10 tourism villages. Schedules of provinces and units include: Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Ninh Binh and 10 districts, cities and Hoa Binh Provincial Tourism Association. Within the framework of the event, many activities took place such as: Displaying and introducing cultural and tourist products; Tourism culinary competition; Performing arts and national costumes, tourist guide contest; Exhibition of beautiful photos, demonstration of some traditional crafts and popular folk games of the Northwest provinces. 

The festival attracted more than 35,000 people and tourists to participate, bringing together the cultural beauty of many ethnic groups in the Northwest; connecting community tourism destinations in the provinces to create community tourism programs in the Northwest to attract tourists, create jobs, and bring revenue to local people. The festival has profound cultural and political significance and honors community tourism villages, educates patriotic traditions, and consolidates and strengthens the great unity of nations. This is also an opportunity for ethnic groups in the Northwest region to expand cultural exchanges, exchange experiences, and improve professional skills in the field of community tourism activities.

In the coming time, to turn Hoa Binh tourism into a key economic sector, promoting the local socio-economic development, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will focus on advising effectively on activities in the Tourism Development Plan of the Provincial Tourism Steering Committee and the Tourism Development Cooperation Program of 8 expanded Northwest provinces with Ho Chi Minh City in 2024; OCOP program to promote tourism associated with new rural development; Support program for tourism activities in the National Target Program for socio-economic development of ethnic minorities and mountainous areas in the period 2021 - 2030. Coordinate with local Departments and branches to promote work attract tourism investment projects, especially attracting tourism investment projects to Hoa Binh Lake Tourist Area. Strengthen investment promotion activities to develop tourism products; Consulting and supporting units and businesses participating in tourism business activities. Improve the effectiveness of tourism promotion of the province's Smart Tourism Information Portal and digital transformation in tourism activities. Pay attention to training to improve professional qualifications and skills for tourism business units in the province to equip knowledge and skills for the tourism industry, etc. Hoa Binh strives for 2024 welcoming 4,200,000 tourist visits. In which, international visitors: 500,000; Domestic visitors: 3,700,000; Total revenue from tourists: 4,600 billion VND.

                                                                                      Thien Tan

                                                                                    Tourism Division