Turning what we have into a product that tourists need

Tourism is a general industry, so are tourism products. Having resources (natural and human) is a great advantage, an extremely important basis and resource for tourism development. However, that is only a necessary condition. If we do not turn what we have into a product that tourists need, it will always be… potential.

Comrade Pham Dai Duong, Secretary of the PPC presenting the gift of Nhan Tower to the Standing Board of Provincial People’s Council – a product for introducing and promoting Phu Yen tourism

At the recent tourism conference, Mr Pham Dai Duong, Member of the Central Party Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee (PPC), Head of the Provincial Delegation of National Assembly, had a profound analysis, suggested to the tourism industry and tourism people about promoting the advantages Phu Yen has to create tourism products that really attract visitors.

With a presentation in slides, infographics (information graphics), Secretary of the PPC, Mr Pham Dai Duong brings a lot of information, through the astute analysis of a scientist.

Located on the central strip of land, Phu Yen is a land of charming natural scenery with many unique, interesting and attractive landscapes. Phu Yen has a coastline of nearly 200km, many beautiful coves, bays and beaches. On this land, there are hundreds of historical sites and scenic spots at provincial and national levels, of which there are 2 national monuments, especially the architectural monuments of Nhan Tower and the scenic Ganh Da Dia relic. The unique feature of Phu Yen culture is the interweaving and interference of many different cultures with more than 30 ethnic groups living together; many traditional festivals, folk songs and folk dances, from Tuong singing, Bai Choi, Ho Ba Chao to long songs, ethnic musical instruments double drum – three “cong” – five “chieng”, rock instrument…

The Secretary of the PPC said that this is true, but not enough. This is the advantage, we need to analyze and clarify the “what we have” of the disadvantages, limitations, and weaknesses. That is, the protection of the environment and natural resources and biodiversity in the process of tourism development has not been focused. Tourism infrastructure is still limited, especially coastal road and water transport infrastructure. The number of tourist accommodation establishments from 3-5 stars is still small; have not yet exploited and brought into full play the tangible and intangible cultural values, historical relics and scenic spots. Tourism products do not have their own characteristics. Services at destinations are still limited, lack of entertainment services on the sea, nightlife activities…

Comrade Pham Dai Duong asked the tourism industry, those working in tourism management and development to clarify the limitations, thereby thinking about how to turn what we have into what tourists need. That is the real tourism product.

In order to invest in tourism development strongly, becoming a spearhead economic sector, according to the Secretary of the PPC, Mr Pham Dai Duong, Phu Yen has 3 important pillars but has not been promoted to create a strong, breakthrough and sustainable development in order to make tourism become a key economic sector of the province. That is the close leadership and direction of the party committees at all levels; the unified management of the State; the role and motivation of businesses and communities. Each pillar needs to promote its role and strength, form a solid and unified tripod, promote creativity, bring products visitors need, and develop tourism in a sustainable way.

Resolution 08-NQ/TW dated January 16, 2017 of the Politburo on developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector stated: “Developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector is an important strategic orientation for the development of the country, creating a driving force to promote the development of other industries and fields. Develop sustainable tourism; preserve and promote the cultural heritages and fine traditional values of the nation; protect the environment and nature; well solve problems of labor, employment and social security; ensure national defense, security, social order and safety”.

Resolution of the 17^th Provincial Party Congress, defined: “Continue to invest in developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector, make great contributions to the province’s economy; strive to develop tourism industry about 14%/year”.

“We already have central and local resolutions. Action Program 09 of the PPC has also set out specific goals, tasks and solutions. Party committees, authorities, business community and people need to join hands, unite, promote internal resources determined to turn tourism into a spearhead economic sector, with the motto: “Special products – Specialized services. Convenient and simple procedure – Competitive price. Clean and beautiful hygienic environment – A safe, civilized and friendly destination”, emphasized Comrade Pham Dai Duong.

Source: Phu Yen Newspaper
Translated by HAI LOAN