Son La Provincial Tourism Association: Increasing collaboration and connections in the context of tourism product promotion

DNHN - Son La Provincial Tourism Association, which was founded in May 2013 and has been in operation for a decade, has amassed 256 members residing in seven branches, all of whom are engaged in the provision of tourism-related services within Son La

According to Mr. Hoang Chi Thuc, Chairman of the Son La Provincial Tourism Association, the organization's Standing Committee has enhanced collaboration and association efforts with the Vietnam Tourism Association ever since its inception. Specifically, the cluster of 27 northern provinces and cities comprising the Tourism Association is broadening its links and cooperation in the realm of product promotion. In 2022, the Provincial Tourism Association collaborated with the Provincial Business Association to arrange a conference focusing on business linkage and cooperation in four Northwest provinces (Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau); organize the announcement of the Hanoi-Moc Chau cultural tour route in coordination with SGO Hanoi Travel Company; this event will serve as a foundation for the establishment of a tourist route connecting the Northwest provinces and the introduction of tours to the Northern region. Laos. The Provincial Tourism Association collaborated with tour and survey groups from the Tourism Association of the Northern and Central Highlands provinces during 2022 and the first half of 2023. Assemble new routes and tours by surveying destinations in the Van Ho and Moc Chau districts alongside the Famtrip group. In addition, the Association collaborates with units to disseminate information and rally members in support of activities that increase demand, decrease prices, and enhance the quality of products and services. This includes a commitment to refrain from price increases on services during holidays and the New Year, as well as measures to ensure food safety, security, and hygiene in conjunction with environmental protection. As a result of the abundance of useful and practical activities, the number of visitors to Son La has increased dramatically, particularly in the Moc Chau region. In the initial nine months of 2023, the overall influx of tourists to Son La surpassed 4.1 million, representing a growth of 5.4% in comparison to the projected figure for 2023. The anticipated revenue of 4,310 billion VND surpasses the budgeted amount by 32.2%.

Recently, the Son La Provincial Tourism Association has actively assisted member companies in fostering economic and technical ties and collaboration in the service sector, thereby progressively enhancing quality and value. tourism products, thus facilitating the expansion of tourism-related enterprises. In collaboration with the Provincial Investment Promotion Centre, the Association has planned promotional activities and the sale of tourism products; coordinated training and professional development for hotel, motel, and restaurant personnel; and organized "Son La-Luang Prabang Love Song"-themed responses to cultural and tourism events.

At present, the province of Son La is replete with newly implemented initiatives, including the Bach Long-Moc Chau glass bridge, experiential eco-tourism in the regions of Bac Yen, Ngoc Chien (Muong La), Quynh Nhai Lake, and Thuan Chau, among others. These developments all contribute to the province's appeal to tourists.

Specifically, the World Travel Awards recognized Moc Chau National Tourist Area in 2022 as the preeminent natural destination in Vietnam, the foremost regional natural destination in Asia, and a natural destination. On top of the globe. The World Travel Awards recognized Moc Chau for the second time in 2023 as the preeminent natural destination in Vietnam, the most outstanding regional natural destination in Asia, and the preeminent natural destination in the world. This presents a favorable occasion to further cultivate the Son La tourism industry in a sustainable and integrated fashion, as well as the Moc Chau national tourist area, to position it as a prominent destination in the Northern mountainous region and the Midlands.

Son La Provincial Tourism Association will continue to promote tourism promotion activities in 2023, linking and developing tourism products, disseminating and promoting services and products, and implementing numerous solutions concurrently to achieve a breakthrough in tourism development so that it can become a key economic sector shortly. The association's primary objective is to attract investment in tourist areas through the use of branded, professional, and area-specific tourism products.

Hong Bai