Current Status of Economic and Tourism Development in Lao Cai Province

Other tourism methods such as research, product promotion, finding partners, signing domestic and international business contracts, on-site export...

- Highland markets are activities with humanistic values, serving well for tourism activities in Lao Cai, such as the "Cultural market" in Sa Pa, Bac Ha market...

- Lao Cai not only has beautiful natural landscapes and unique ethnic culture, but Lao Cai is also famous for many dishes with the rich flavors of the mountains and forests that tourists especially love, such as spring rolls, bitter meat, thang co, and nguu pin...

* General assessment:

Maybe you are interested!

With the above overview and analysis, it can be seen that Lao Cai is a province with diverse and unique tourism resources that can be exploited for development with attractive and highly competitive tourism products. Moreover, the resources are distributed in a fairly concentrated manner, combining both natural tourism potential and human tourism, which is a favorable feature for the exploitation and development of tourism in Lao Cai.

In terms of nature, Lao Cai has rich potential to develop many types of tourism with the main tourism products being eco-tourism, resorts; and adventure tourism (mountain climbing, cave exploration).

In terms of culture, Lao Cai is an attractive place for tourists to come to the culture of ethnic minorities in the northern mountainous region with the main tourism products being cultural and historical tourism; community tourism and shopping tourism.

However, due to natural characteristics and the impact of socio-economic activities in recent years, the ecological environment and tourism potential have been affected. Therefore, the province needs to have a plan to protect and enhance resources, both natural and human, to ensure sustainable development.

2.2. CURRENT STATE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN LAO CAI PROVINCE

2.2.1. Organizational structure and State management of tourism

For tourism to develop in the right direction and achieve certain successes, the management role of the State is extremely important. State management (QLNN) of tourism

Tourism represents the function of macro-management of tourism, not the function of management, not the function of business on behalf of tourism enterprises. That management is done through macro-management tools, aiming to create favorable conditions for enterprises of different economic sectors to operate in the field of tourism economy. State management of tourism is aimed at developing tourism in accordance with the general direction of the country's development process.

With the correct awareness of the potential and strengths for tourism development, the Provincial Party Committee, the People's Council, and the Provincial People's Committee have directed all levels and sectors to immediately determine the socio-economic orientation and goals according to the characteristics and specific features of Lao Cai province. In particular, the province has promptly grasped tourism resources, surveyed and synthesized those resources to propose a strategy to develop tourism into a spearhead economic sector.

To perform the role of State management of tourism as well as strengthen and improve management efficiency, the Provincial People's Committee has directed the consolidation of State management departments of tourism into the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (DOCST). At the same time, it also clearly defines the functions, tasks and powers of the DOCSTST, arranges departments according to their functions and tasks, and prioritizes the arrangement of staff with specialized training to work at the tourism management agency.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is a specialized agency under the Provincial People's Committee, advising and assisting the Provincial People's Committee in performing the function of State management of tourism within the scope of the Department's management according to the provisions of law.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is under the direct and comprehensive management of the Provincial People's Committee in terms of organization, staffing and operation, and is also under the professional direction and guidance of the General Department of Tourism.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is headed by the Director of the Department, who is legally responsible for all activities of the Department in performing assigned tasks; responsible for reporting to the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Council, the Provincial People's Committee and the General Department of Tourism when requested. Next are the Deputy Directors and professional departments under the Department. In addition, there are units under the Department such as the Promotion Center

investment - trade and tourism of Lao Cai province. In addition, to meet practical requirements, the Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 1899/QD-UBND on the establishment of Lao Cai Tourism Information Center and a system of 2 tourist houses in Sa Pa and Bac Ha.

It can be said that in recent years, the State management of tourism in Lao Cai province has achieved many positive results, contributing to promoting the development of tourism in the right direction. The Provincial People's Committee has directed the implementation and guidance of the Law on Tourism and sub-law documents to tourism business establishments, districts and cities. Implementing Decree 92/2008/ND-CP dated February 1, 2008 of the Government detailing the implementation of a number of Tourism Laws; issuing Decision No. 05/2008/QD-UBND dated January 23, 2008 on promulgating regulations on the management of a number of tourism activities in Lao Cai province to further strengthen the State management of tourism.

In addition, the province has continuously strengthened the management of tourism establishments, conducted appraisals of accommodation establishments, and clearly classified them. At the same time, it has regularly guided and urged accommodation establishments and cultural and information departments of districts and cities to implement regulations on disease prevention and control and ensure food hygiene and safety during the process of serving guests. The management of accommodation establishment prices has been well implemented by organizing the signing of commitments to implement civility in accommodation establishment business and registering room prices according to the tourism season. Most of the current accommodation establishments meet the minimum standards, and the assessment and classification are carried out according to the criteria prescribed by the General Department of Tourism and local management documents.

The province has issued the Regulations on international travel management through Lao Cai international border gate, the Regulations on tourism management in Sa Pa district, ensuring that tourism activities take place actively and operate in accordance with the law. From 2006 to 2009, 6 meetings were held and a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed with the Yunnan Provincial Tourism Department, Honghe District Tourism Department, and the People's Government of Hekou District - China to enhance cooperation in tourism management and development between the two sides. Tourism inspectors are on duty daily at Lao Cai international border gate to strengthen the inspection and examination of tourism activities. In 2007 - 2009, over 50 tourism businesses were inspected and administrative violations were fined 26 million VND, contributing to the development of tourism activities.

In the Lao Cai international border gate area in particular and tourism activities in Lao Cai province in general are gradually becoming more professional.

With its duties and powers prescribed by law, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has also performed its leadership role well. The Department has developed and submitted to the Provincial People's Committee plans, plans, directions and tasks to effectively implement the province's tourism development project, gradually expanding and decentralizing the management of tourist areas, routes and destinations in the province. At the same time, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has completed the Policy to encourage tourism development in Lao Cai province according to the procedure for drafting legal documents to submit to the province for approval.

In particular, 2009 can be said to be a year of many difficulties for Lao Cai tourism. The global economic recession, increasing tour prices, epidemics... have seriously affected Vietnam tourism in general and Lao Cai tourism in particular. In the face of the decline in international visitors and difficulties of tourism businesses, Lao Cai tourism industry has developed and implemented a plan to deploy urgent solutions to attract international visitors and increase domestic tourism in Lao Cai province in 2009. The industry has identified important and urgent solutions including: strengthening tourism promotion, building new tourism products, innovating the organization of tourism events and strengthening international cooperation. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has promoted its role in directing and managing the tourism market, gathering the participation of tourism businesses, creating connections between tourism businesses for the purpose of building stimulus packages, promotional programs and discounted tours to attract tourists, curbing the decline in the number of visitors and tourism revenue... The implemented solution package has had a strong impact on the cooperation in building and promoting tourism products and services between state agencies and the private sector, thereby improving the effectiveness of tourism stimulus, promptly contributing to removing difficulties and challenges with specific solutions.

Although, the implementation of the solution package has not yet fully promoted its effects and efficiency because the units have not had deep cooperation, and have not created enough momentum to promote the common tourism development career. However, it can be said that, with the attention and direction of implementation

The timely implementation and promotion of the role of State management of tourism in recent times has created favorable conditions for enterprises of different economic sectors to operate in the field of tourism and at the same time contributed to creating a real driving force to promote the tourism industry of Lao Cai province to grow and develop.

2.2.2. Situation of attracting and using investment capital in the tourism sector

In recent years, the province has increased and focused investment capital on tourism development. Attracting investment projects in specialized tourism facilities has been well implemented, with many investors coming to survey and register for investment such as: Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, Vietnam Rubber Group, Vietnam Construction Investment Company (Secoin), Saigon Tourism Company, Royal Tourism Joint Stock Company (Grand Royal Hotel)... At the same time, it has attracted many large enterprises to invest in the field of hotels and entertainment areas, including 12 domestic and foreign enterprises with a total investment capital of over 800 billion VND. In the period of 2006 - 2010, the total investment capital for infrastructure and entertainment (especially the system of

The total investment capital of the system of hotels and high-class resorts in the whole province is estimated at 1,220,522 million VND 6 .

In particular, in the past 3 years, 34,469 billion VND has been invested from the state budget and capital from national tourism infrastructure into the system of tourist routes in Sa Pa, Bac Ha has become an important "seed capital" to promote investment in tourism development in Lao Cai. Thereby, many tourism projects have been attracted in the province such as investment projects in Kim Thanh Industrial Park, Lao Cai Border Gate Economic Zone, Sa Pa with a total capital of approximately 300 billion VND invested mainly in Lao Cai, Sa Pa District.

In addition, Lao Cai province has been focusing on investing in a number of attractive tourist destinations such as the Thuong Temple relic complex, Nhac Son park, and upgrading a number of tourist destinations (Cat Cat, Ham Rong - Sa Pa...).

However, due to the complicated site clearance work and a number of other factors,

Due to the investors and the requirements of Lao Cai province's planning, in 2009, 6 projects in the field of hotels and eco-tourism of the investors: Dong A Trading Company Limited; Saigon Tourist Corporation; Construction Investment and Trade Joint Stock Company; Northern Electricity; Vietnam Development and Investment Bank; Saigon Sapa Joint Stock Company; Vietnam Oil and Gas Insurance Joint Stock Company were temporarily suspended from implementation. In addition, the investment environment is not really good, which has significantly affected the psychology of new investors in large tourism projects in the area. These are also significant obstacles in attracting investment in developing specialized tourism infrastructure and attracting high-income tourists to Lao Cai. Therefore, to create conditions for tourism development commensurate with the province's tourism potential and strengths, Lao Cai needs to propose solutions to create an attractive investment environment to increase investment capital attraction in the tourism sector in Lao Cai province.

2.2.3. Situation of tourism promotion, advertising, association and cooperation

With the correct awareness of the role of tourism promotion, advertising, association and cooperation activities for the development of tourism, in recent years the province has focused on investing and effectively implementing tourism investment promotion. In the period of 2006-2010, the estimated budget reached 12,557 billion VND (mainly from socialized sources and non-governmental organizations) 7 , contributing significantly to attracting tourists and investment projects.

Tourism promotion and advertising activities are carried out in various forms such as: Propaganda through mass media, propaganda through organizing events. A series of publications with rich content, useful information such as Lao Cai tourism photo books, travel guides, tourist maps

calendar...is released, on the other hand, the province has also applied information technology to promote tourism with three separate websites on tourism and 1 general website with many modules on tourism (www.vanhoalaocai.vn ). These websites are propaganda channels.

fast, effective and timely information about many tourism events of Lao Cai. In addition, continuously in recent years, Lao Cai has successfully organized many major cultural and tourism events, attracting the attention of many domestic and foreign tourists. Typical examples include "Thuong Temple Festival"; "Sapa Cultural Tourism Week"; "Fansipan Discovery Program"... with innovation in content, rich and attractive forms, linking traditional culture with cultural, sports, commercial and culinary activities, thereby attracting tens of thousands of visitors and domestic and foreign reporters to attend.

In particular, the establishment of Lao Cai Province Tourism Information Center according to Decision No. 1899/QD-UBND dated August 13, 2007 and the system of 2 tourist houses in Sa Pa, Bac Ha, Lao Cai station information desk has been effective (has provided tourism advice to 44,500 visitors), contributing to improving the quality of information, advice and tourism promotion in Lao Cai province, orienting the province's tourism promotion work towards professionalism.

In addition, the province has also strengthened cooperation in tourism development with domestic and foreign organizations. The province has successfully coordinated with Yen Bai - Phu Tho provinces under the "Back to the Roots Tourism Program", the program of cooperation in tourism development in the Northwest region, expanding and cooperating in tourism development in Lao Cai - Ha Giang. International cooperation to promote tourism development has achieved many important results through activities: Conference on cooperation in exploiting and developing tourism along the economic corridor of Kunming - Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh, cooperation with the Aquitaine region - French Republic... In the period of 2006 - 2009, Lao Cai attracted 7 direct investment projects in the tourism sector with a total capital of 28.621 million USD and 1 investment project from non-refundable aid with a capital of 1,790,000 Euro.

In particular, tourism promotion and advertising activities have received enthusiastic support and participation from businesses inside and outside the province; the socialization of tourism activities is increasingly promoted. In the period of 2006 - 2009, 28 businesses were attracted to sponsor tourism events in the province with a total amount of money and value of sponsorship up to 3.8 billion VND, including a contract signed with Vietnam Airlines Corporation.

Airline) is the main sponsor of the Roots Tourism Program with a total amount of money and in-kind sponsorship of 3.3 billion VND.

Through the above analysis, it can be seen that the tourism promotion work of Lao Cai province has been paid attention to and implemented effectively, contributing significantly to attracting tourists and investment projects. However, there are still some difficulties and limitations in terms of funding, promotion activities are still unprofessional and lack strategy, only focusing on promoting domestic and nearby markets, not focusing on promoting foreign markets and distant markets according to themes, key points or specific products according to market demand.

2.2.4. Current status of labor resources in the tourism industry

The capacity and quality of the workforce in the tourism industry are of particular importance to the effective exploitation and long-term preservation of the country's tourism potential, contributing to the creation of unique, high-quality, and attractive tourism products. This workforce also demonstrates the ability to absorb international tourism experience, as well as the ability to participate in the international integration process in tourism. Developing tourism human resources is also to ensure that Lao Cai Tourism promotes its internal strength, seizes opportunities, and overcomes challenges. This is the process of concretizing the human factor in the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country.

Tourism development has created many jobs for workers. By the end of 2009, the number of direct workers in the tourism industry was 3,200 people, indirect workers were

5,000 people. Although the number of workers in the industry has grown quite rapidly, with the current large number of visitors (700,451 visitors), this number of workers is not commensurate. That number is not enough to implement tourism activities that are increasingly diversified in terms of tourism products, types of tourism and quality of tourism products.

In recent times, the work of training and improving the quality of tourism human resources has also achieved some quite good results. From 2006 to now, training has been organized for over 400 rural workers in tourism profession and skills to serve community tourism in Ta Van, Ta Phin, Ban Ho communes, Sa Pa district (according to the capital source).

Comment