Developing night tourism products in the direction of multi-experience
On August 1, the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City coordinated with the Institute of Strategic Research of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade to organize a scientific workshop with the theme of Orientation for the development of night tourism products in Ho Chi Minh City (old Ba Ria - Vung Tau area).
The workshop gathered scientists, practical experts, leaders of wards, communes, businesses, associations... in the locality.
Regarding the current situation, Master Nguyen Duy Tam - Institute of Strategic Research of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade said that night tourism in Vietnam is currently often divided into 5 key product groups including: night cultural and artistic performances; sports - health care - night beauty; shopping - night entertainment; night sightseeing and night cuisine.
There are some tourism products oriented towards the above groups such as: sports and entertainment at The Grand Ho Tram (Ho Tram commune); Ho May Show weekend music playground (Vung Tau ward) ... but have not created outstanding attraction. Con Dao is the only place with a model of sightseeing - night experience with a spiritual tour to visit Hang Duong Cemetery; staying up all night to watch turtles give birth, rescue mother turtles at the beaches... highly appreciated by tourists.
Dr. Nguyen Tan Khuyen also expressed the view that there must be "nuts" to develop night tourism, both for people and products, serving the right subjects and needs. According to Mr. Khuyen, a model like the An Nhut market that takes place from 4pm to 9pm has been implemented very well, but in essence it is just a market meeting, not night tourism.
"We need to pay attention, night tourism must be understood as nightlife, night experience, not simply understood as night travel, night food...", Mr. Khuyen said.
Location of a high-class night tourism destination on the East Coast in Vung Tau
According to Master Tran Viet Khoa - General Director of Ngoc Island Tourism Company, Vung Tau has a long coastline, many beautiful beaches, a rich historical - cultural relic system... which are resources for tourism development. Along with a well-invested, synchronous, modern infrastructure; a diverse system of accommodation facilities... is an ideal platform to organize night-time experiences such as: outdoor events, music festivals, street art...
Therefore, in the new vision, it is necessary to re-position Vung Tau not only as a day destination, but also towards a Vung Tau with a vibrant sea of nights - a new level for young people, families and international visitors.
To do this, it is necessary to focus on 3 pillars: open night space - lively planning in public areas, beaches...; unique - modern and local night products with seafood cuisine, music, outdoor stages, weekend events...; and emotional experiences - check-in - spread.
At the same time, Vung Tau also needs to develop more night food areas; entertainment complexes; high-class night shopping - entertainment centers; night cultural and artistic activities with local identity...
" Night activities are not only for watching, but also for feeling and remembering. This is something that many groups of young visitors, families, and international visitors want to experience in a modern, safe, and aesthetic way," said Mr. Khoa.
Delegates also contributed opinions on the current situation and development of night tourism in localities such as Phu My, Long Hai, Ho Tram, Binh Chau...; as well as proposed incentive policies for businesses to invest in developing night tourism in the area.
According to the Organizing Committee, in the trend of innovating the economic development model, the Government has identified developing the night-time economy as a strategic direction to effectively exploit economic activities outside of working hours, diversify services and increase consumption.
The workshop received many multi-dimensional, objective, scientific and practical contributions. From there, build a foundation for the implementation of night tourism models effectively, in accordance with local characteristics.
