A luxury cruise ship brings over 4,000 international tourists to Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu port. Photo: HL

A key economic driver

According to the Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Provincial Department of Tourism, by the end of October 2024, the province had welcomed more than 14.4 million visitors, achieving 92.76% of its annual target and representing an impressive 20% increase compared to the same period last year. Overnight stays totaled 4,475,045, reaching 93.37% of the target and showing a 16.99% year-on-year increase. Of this, international overnight guests accounted for approximately 203,700, meeting 91.34% of the annual target, with a 17.18% increase compared to the previous year.

In the reported period, tourism revenue is estimated to have reached 15.397 trillion VND, meeting 93.37% of the target and showing a 21% increase over the same period in the previous year. Of this, income from accommodation services amounted to around 5.505 trillion VND, achieving 94.09% of the annual target and marking an 18.48% increase compared to last year.

The province is currently home to 1,360 accommodation establishments, offering a total of 22,533 rooms. This includes 11 five-star hotels, 17 four-star hotels, 23 three-star hotels, 12 two-star hotels, and 13 one-star hotels. Additionally, there are 132 tourism projects across the province, covering 2,966 hectares, of which 116 are domestic investments and 16 are foreign-funded projects.

According to the Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Provincial Department of Tourism, the sector's positive performance can be attributed to a series of well-executed strategies aimed at attracting tourists. These include a strong emphasis on guest safety and a continuous focus on improving both the quantity and quality of services offered. Moreover, many local areas have launched new nighttime tourism products, while accommodation providers have proactively organized events to offer engaging entertainment options for visitors.

Preparing for the year-end boom

Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu is set to implement a wide range of coordinated measures to capitalize on the year-end tourism boom.

Specifically, the Department of Tourism plans to continue improving the quantity and quality of five-star accommodation options, develop a broader range of high-quality service products and tourism programs, diversify its tourism offerings, and roll out training courses to enhance the skills of the local tourism workforce.

Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu is actively preparing for the next wave of tourism. Photo: HL

Additionally, the tourism sector will collaborate with local businesses to introduce promotional campaigns aimed at attracting more tourists both domestically and internationally. Mr. Trịnh Hàng, Director of the Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Provincial Department of Tourism, revealed that 34 accommodation and service providers in the province have launched promotional offers on room rates, dining, conference facilities, and tour services, with discounts ranging from 10% to 65%.

The Department has also announced 230 destinations and 54 tour routes, including 12 tours specifically designed for cruise passengers. For traditional craft villages, the province intends to develop community-based tourism models in Bà Rịa (the Hòa Long wine-making village), Đất Đỏ (the Phước Hội yam cooperative), and Long Điền (the An Ngãi rice paper village).

Sheep Hill, a popular spot for both domestic and international visitors in Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu. Photo: HL

In its efforts to position tourism as one of the province’s four key economic sectors, the Department of Tourism is working to finalize a long-term development strategy for the sector, targeting growth through 2030 and beyond, with an eye toward 2050. This will include further development of a tourism database, diversification of tourism products, and the careful selection of events that align with the province’s unique attractions to maximize its potential./.

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