Representatives of the Ninh Bình Tourism Department and the Vietnam Railway Corporation show the signed MoU on cooperation. VNA/VNS Photo Đức Phương

NINH BÌNH - The Tourism Department in the northern province of Ninh Bình and the Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR) recently signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation for 2024-2030, aiming to attract more train passengers to local destinations.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Trần Song Tùng said Ninh Bình boasts considerable potential and advantages for tourism development, including its location at the intersection of the mountainous northwestern region, the Red River Delta and the north-central region; a large number of scenic landscapes; and over 1,820 historical and cultural relic sites, which created many unique and charming tourist attractions.

With a consistent strategy of developing green and sustainable tourism, respecting natural, historical and cultural values, and adopting methodological methods, the province is gradually gaining a foothold and becoming a favourite destination for both domestic and international visitors.

He cited statistics as showing that Ninh Bình welcomed more than 6.28 million tourist arrivals during the first half of 2024, including over 500,000 foreigners, up 38 per cent year on year. It earned over VNĐ6 trillion (US$236 million) in tourism revenue, rising 1.5-fold from the same period of 2023.

In particular, the province has ranked high in many lists of destinations compiled by prestigious international travel websites. Most recently, a full-day tour to Ninh Bình from Hà Nội has been named among the Top 10 Experiences in the world for 2024 by TripAdvisor readers.

Tuùng held that the partnership with the VNR will help increase visitors to his province by offering more convenient travel and introducing local destinations linked with images of Việt Nam's railway sector, and build railway travel stimulation programmes to attract visitors from nationwide to Ninh Bình.

Ninh Bình will increase opportunities for tourists to access and explore local beauty in a convenient and safe manner, the official stressed, pledging close cooperation to design unique and sustainable tourism programmes benefiting both sides.

The natural beauty of Ninh Bình and the professionalism and safety of the railway system will generate memorable experiences for travellers, he stated. — VNA/VNS