Nguyễn Minh Phú, director of Điện Biên’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, tells VNS reporter Trần Khánh An about the plans of the province.

Nguyễn Minh Phú, director of Điện Biên’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Photo courtesy of An Chi.

Inner Sanctum: What is the importance of The National Tourism Year 2024 for Điện Biên Province?

With the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory [the victorious battle of the Việt Nam's People's Army over the French from March 13 to May 7, 1954], the National Tourism Year 2024 is significant for the province both nationally and internationally.

2024 is also the 115th anniversary of the establishment of the province, the 75th anniversary of the Provincial Party Committee, and the 270th anniversary of Hoàng Công Chất's peasant insurgency against the Lê-Trịnh court.

We expect that the National Tourism Year can become a breakthrough for the province and create motivation for Điện Biên’s development regarding tourism and socio-economy, and achieving sustainable poverty reduction.

Inner Sanctum: What is Điện Biên aiming for in the National Tourism Year?

Điện Biên aims to welcome 1.3 million tourists in 2024 with a revenue of US$91 million from tourism activities.

Furthermore, we see the National Tourism Year as a catalyst for tourism development in Điện Biên for the following years. As Vừ A Bằng, vice chairman of the Điện Biên People's Committee [provincial government], said: “We strive to make Điện Biên become a tourist magnet, instead of just a stopover.”

Inner Sanctum: What is the province’s main obstacle when preparing for the National Tourism Year?

The province's major concern is infrastructure. Điện Biên is still a poor province with numerous ongoing challenges. Therefore, it still needs to strengthen its infrastructure for tourism-related activities.

Recently, the province has instructed relevant departments and agencies to improve infrastructure, particularly tourism-related.

We believe that visitors to Điện Biên will enjoy the accommodations and attractions that suit their needs, besides the stunning scenery and diverse culture in the province.

Inner Sanctum: How has Điện Biên coordinated with other cities and provinces to celebrate the National Tourism Year?

We have worked tirelessly to get ready for the National Tourism Year since the end of 2023, especially enhancing regional integration to develop tourism.

We prepared for the National Tourism Year by organising Điện Biên Festival Day in HCM City and Điện Biên Culture and Tourism Week in Hà Nội. These two events successfully delivered impressive value to the citizens of the two cities, especially to foreign visitors.

We also co-organised a FAM trip at the beginning of this year, inviting experts, enterprises and units working in tourism industry across the country to try Điện Biên’s tourist products and services.

We want to invite other provinces and tourist agencies to visit Điện Biên, evaluate the province’s tourist products, and then join hands with Điện Biên to organise the National Tourist Year.

This year, we plan to co-organise 128 programmes with the participation of 33 provinces and cities throughout the country.

Điện Biên Phủ Marathon 2024, an event of Điện Biên National Tourism Year 2024, attracts 1,500 athletes across the country and even numerous foreigners to Điện Biên. Photo courtesy of An Chi.

Inner Sanctum: What are the significant events that Điện Biên is organising for the National Tourism Year?

The Opening Ceremony of the National Tourism Year will take place alongside the Ban Flower Festival this month in Điện Biên Phủ City.

After that, Điện Biên is expected to host 33 national and 28 provincial events in the provinces according to the unique tourism characteristics and advantages of each locality.

Inner Sanctum: Which tourism sector has Điện Biên persistently focused on?

The province authorities have persistently upheld three central pillars in the tourism sector – historical-spiritual tourism, cultural tourism integrated with exploring natural landscapes, and ecotourism integrated with sports and entertainment.

Regarding ecotourism integrated with sports and entertainment products, at the beginning of this year, Điện Biên organised the 9th Boat Racing Festival and the 4th National Paragliding Championship at Mường Lay Town.

In terms of historical-spiritual tourism, Điện Biên is renowned for the Điện Biên Phủ Battle victory, which “resounded throughout the five continents and shook the world”.

Điện Biên also focuses on cultural tourism integrated with exploring natural landscapes. We not only preserve the cultural heritage of the 19 ethnic minorities inhabiting the province, but also promote it as a tourism product, ensuring sustainable socioeconomic development for the people. VNS