Vung Tau has achieved the title of "ASEAN Clean Tourism City" three times in a row in 2020-2022-2024, so please tell us, what solutions has the city implemented to do this?
- To achieve the title of " ASEAN Clean Tourism City", the Party Committee, government and people of Vung Tau City have synchronously deployed many solutions with high political determination, closely following the orientation of Resolution No. 24-NQ/TW, clearly identifying Vung Tau as a high-quality, international-class tourism center of the Southeast region and the whole country.
In recent times, the city has focused on 4 main issues such as strictly managing urban space and protecting key tourism resources, including areas such as Bai Truoc, Bai Sau, Nui Lon, Nui Nho, mangrove forests - this is the "green lung" and an important fulcrum for sustainable tourism development.
At the same time, strongly invest in technical infrastructure, priority projects for environmental protection such as: Investing in infrastructure for Thuy Van and Bai Sau roads; calling for investment in International Seaport tourism; developing tourism projects; DT994 road; wastewater and domestic waste collection and treatment system; implementing waste classification programs at source, preventing plastic waste, strengthening green tree networks and public landscapes.
In particular, the city also focuses on applying technology and digital transformation to tourism management, environmental sanitation monitoring, creating a foundation for smart cities and smart tourism.
In addition, it is launching community models such as "Cultural tourism route", "Green - Clean - Beautiful residential area", to raise awareness of people and tourists and implement many other contents.
Thereby, urban order management is implemented seriously, contributing to promoting awareness of people living in the eco-tourism environment right in residential areas, creating a civilized, friendly community, accompanying the goal of developing high-quality, international-class tourism.
These are the combined efforts, demonstrating Vung Tau's strong commitment to preserving a clean living environment, beautiful landscapes, and friendly services - core factors to build the image of a green - clean - beautiful - classy Vung Tau in the eyes of domestic and foreign tourists.
So what practical results has the title of "ASEAN Clean Tourism City" brought to the locality?
- The title of "ASEAN Clean Tourism City" is an important lever to help Vung Tau affirm its position and brand on the international tourism map, while creating clear results in all three aspects: economic, social and environmental.
In terms of economy, in 2024, Vung Tau will welcome more than 9 million visitors, including more than 1.3 million international visitors, with total tourism service revenue estimated at VND9,900 billion, showing that tourism continues to be the main growth driver.
Regarding infrastructure and services, Vung Tau has implemented a series of key projects: renovating Thuy Van road axis, upgrading Bai Sau; coastal parks; developing lighting systems, parking lots, walking streets... with a total investment of more than VND 3,200 billion. Thereby both serving tourism and improving the quality of life of the people.
From a social perspective, the image of a friendly, civilized, modern Vung Tau has spread strongly, raising pride and community awareness, forming a tourism culture associated with environmental protection and sustainable development.
What is the significance of this title in the long-term development strategy of Vung Tau City, sir?
This title will help attract high-end customers, especially international customers, with high requirements for service quality, environment and experience. This is also the target group of tourists in the strategy of localizing tourism products and markets of Vung Tau City.
At the same time, this is a driving force for Vung Tau to develop green, smart, and humane tourism, towards a modern urban tourism model while still preserving cultural identity and natural resources.
On this platform, the city is gradually building large-scale urban - tourism projects and areas such as: International cruise ship wharf; Bac Phuoc Thang ecological urban area; Ben Dinh and Bau Trung Cu urban areas... combining 5-star resort services, high-end shopping and entertainment, MICE tourism, cultural heritage - towards a comprehensive experience, elevating Vung Tau into an international destination.
Maintaining and elevating the title of "ASEAN Clean Tourism City" is not only a goal, but a long-term mission in the strategy of building an international-class tourist city.
In particular, focusing on and continuing to renovate and develop urban - tourism infrastructure according to international standards, focusing on coastal routes, sea squares, smart beaches, international exhibition centers, walking - food street, wastewater treatment system, waste and urban landscape.
Prioritize resources for developing typical tourism products, such as high-end beach resorts, cultural - spiritual tourism, MICE tourism, sea sports, light performing arts... contributing to extending the length of stay and increasing spending of tourists.
Promote strategic urban - tourism areas, increase land use value, create a high-quality service ecosystem and a modern living environment. Build a smart tourism system and comprehensive digital transformation, from management to communication, towards personalizing the experience for tourists.
Promote international cooperation, learn from experience from advanced tourism city models, increase promotion and advertising of destinations on global platforms, attract strategic investors.
