Developing inter-regional tourism products linked to local identities

Tourism products should be developed on a cultural foundation while leveraging the distinctive strengths of each locality. Tours and travel routes, meanwhile, should be designed around tourists’ needs.

Hanoi (VNA) – Regional connectivity is widely regarded as a “key” to enhancing the competitiveness of tourism destinations. However, amid current developments, stronger and more substantive regional links, combined with green transition and digital transformation, are needed to ensure sustainable tourism growth and better meet market and business demand.

4.jpg
Red Dao ethnic people perform bamboo dance, helping bring local culture into tourism experience programmes (Photo: VNA)

Leveraging regional strengths

Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), said the tourism sector needs to renew its mindset by putting the market at the centre, shifting from promoting what localities have to developing products that tourists actually need.

Tourism products should be developed on a cultural foundation while leveraging the distinctive strengths of each locality. Tours and travel routes, meanwhile, should be designed around tourists’ needs.

The sector also needs to improve destination management, strengthen coordination between management agencies and businesses, enhance promotion and step up human resource training. It should roll out a unified national digital platform for “Tourism management and business”, connecting data and identifying businesses to build a national tourism database and promote science, technology and artificial intelligence in tourism management and development.

The VNAT has set ambitious tourism targets for 2026, including welcoming 25 million international visitors and serving 150 million domestic tourists and generating about 1.12 quadrillion VND (43.1 billion USD) in revenue.

Thuy said achieving these targets requires not only state management agencies but also the participation of the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA), local tourism associations and the business community.

He urged the VITA to further promote its role in connecting regions and localities, enabling tourism associations to leverage natural resources and cultural identities to develop distinctive inter-regional products and enhance visitor experiences.

Tourism associations should also expand membership, contribute to policymaking and proactively develop products based on the strengths and identities of individual localities, he said.

Regional links tied to digital transformation, green transition

According to VITA Vice Chairman Nguyen Hong Hai, digital transformation and green tourism development are two inseparable pillars of Vietnam’s tourism development. Businesses need to step up the application of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and e-commerce while implementing the Vietnam Green Tourism Criteria, reducing plastic waste and developing sustainable products.

For tourism associations in northern provinces, promotion, marketing and development connectivity have been among the highlights during the first six months of 2026. Many localities have expanded markets, strengthened business links and developed products associated with regional characteristics.

VITA Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Than, who is also Chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, said tourism development should be closely linked with production and livelihoods in rural areas.

He outlined three key goals: strengthening the engagement of Party committees and authorities with residents in developing green agriculture; promoting science, technology and innovation; and effectively tapping the potential of agricultural tourism. These efforts would create greater value for local products and community livelihoods, he said.

However, regional tourism connectivity still faces challenges, including limited financial capacity among some businesses, shortages of high-quality human resources, uneven digital transformation and limited operational resources among some associations. The effectiveness of cooperation programmes between localities also varies, while distinctive and competitive inter-regional products remain limited.

Hai noted that many small and medium-sized enterprises face difficulties in securing finance, qualified personnel and investment for digital transformation. Therefore, tourism associations need to strengthen joint promotion, connect businesses and focus on developing inter-regional products based on the natural resources, cultural heritage and distinctive features of each locality, while expanding into new visitor markets.

The VITA is expected to continue encouraging businesses to participate in VITA GREEN, review two years of implementing the Vietnam Green Tourism Criteria, survey green tourism models in Lam Dong province and support localities in developing distinctive tourism products./.

en.vietnamplus.vn

Other News

A pot of Mi Quang (Quang noodles). (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang promotes distinctive cuisine as key tourism attraction

As travellers increasingly seek authentic local experiences, the central coastal city of Da Nang is stepping up efforts to integrate cuisine into tourism itineraries, linking culinary promotion with destination branding and cultural preservation.

Vietnam taps community tourism potential for sustainable development

Vietnam taps community tourism potential for sustainable development

The tourism market is shifting from sightseeing towards living and connecting with destinations. Visitors increasingly seek authentic and locally rooted experiences, interaction with local people, culture and nature, as well as small-group and personalised trips with limited environmental impact and clear benefits for communities.

Tickets for Hue–Phong Nha tourist train go on sale

Tickets for Hue–Phong Nha tourist train go on sale

Rather than serving solely as a means of transport, the railway service will become an integral part of the tourism product, connecting Hue with Quang Tri’s historical, cultural and natural attractions, as well as Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

More European travellers love to visit Vietnam

More European travellers love to visit Vietnam

A recent report from Agoda has revealed that Vietnam has been ranked among the top spots as the most-searched Asian destinations by European travellers, showcasing a surge in interest among global tourists.

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Recently named by Expedia among the "10 Best Islands to Visit in 2026" for offering premium holidays at reasonable prices, Phu Quoc is far from being just a dry season destination. Even during the rainy months, Pearl Island offers enough experiences to fill every hour of the day, with short tropical showers rarely disrupting the journey.

Van Phuc silk weaving village officially recognised as Hanoi tourist destination

Van Phuc silk weaving village officially recognised as Hanoi tourist destination

With its millennia-old heritage and growing integration of preservation and innovation, Van Phuc silk weaving village is poised to become a distinctive cultural destination, helping promote Hanoi’s sustainable cultural tourism and bring the quintessence of Vietnamese silk weaving closer to domestic and international visitors.

Ho Chi Minh City: Free bus fares drive increase in bus, metro ridership

Ho Chi Minh City: Free bus fares drive increase in bus, metro ridership

According to Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Centre Le Hoan, the bus network operated nearly 478,000 trips in July, serving more than 8.48 million passengers. Weekly growth accelerated throughout the month, rising from 33% in the first week to 45% in the fourth week.

My Son inscriptions set sights on UNESCO documentary heritage status

My Son inscriptions set sights on UNESCO documentary heritage status

Located in Thu Bon commune, Da Nang city, My Son is renowned for its architectural heritage, but it also preserves an exceptional archive engraved on stone. These inscriptions have enabled scholars to unravel the history of the sanctuary and trace the rise and development of the ancient Champa kingdom over many centuries.

Hanoi brings new life to suburban tourism villages

Hanoi brings new life to suburban tourism villages

Hanoi has long been known for the heritage cachet of a thousand-year-old capital. Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and a network of craft villages have given the city a singular pull.

Resolution paves way for Vietnam to unleash soft power

Resolution paves way for Vietnam to unleash soft power

The implementation of Resolution No. 06 alongside the cultural diplomacy strategy sends a clear message: by combining its rich cultural heritage with proactive diplomacy, innovation and digital transformation, Vietnam would strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage.

Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 wrapped up

Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 wrapped up

Held from July 12 to 25 across eight cities and provinces, Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 offered a rich array of experiences. Participants explored historical landmarks, visited iconic cultural heritage sites such as the imperial city of Hue, Hoi An ancient town, and the My Son Sanctuary, and engaged in charitable activities valued at over 300 million VND (11,400 USD), including the installation of a "Youth Bookshelf."

Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 kicks off

Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 kicks off

The Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 features a rural market-themed culinary space at East Sea Park showcasing Quang region cuisine, a beachfront art route, a light kite night featuring around 500 illuminated kites, and a seaside light party combining visual arts, music and local cuisine.