Night economy expected to attract 2 million tourists for Quang Tri by 2030

By the year 2030, Quang Tri aims to draw in a total of four million tourists, with approximately 50% of these visitors actively engaging in the nighttime economy.

Ngo Quyen walking street is open every Saturday and Sunday at Quang Tri Town. Photo: Tran Tuyen

The target was shared during a meeting chaired by Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Province People’s Committee Hoang Nam on November 8, discussing the project to develop the nighttime economy in the province for the period 2023-2025, with a vision to 2030.

At the meeting, a representative of the Department of Planning and Investment highlighted that there have been emerging models of the nighttime economy in the province, but they lack regular organization and remain relatively small in scale.

Infrastructure development has been progressing slowly, and there are limited connections with neighboring provinces. Nighttime tourism offerings in Quang Tri are still underdeveloped compared to expectations, he noted.

Nonetheless, Quang Tri possesses substantial untapped potential and advantages in the tourism sector that can stimulate nighttime economic growth. Thus, the research and development of the project becomes essential.

The Hien Luong - Ben Hai twin bank historical relic cluster at night. Photo: Tran Tuyen

In this regard, the primary objective of this project is to leverage the province’s strengths and resources to establish unique and distinct nighttime models and products. This will enhance the quality of trade, services, and tourism sectors, attracting visitors for extended stays and complementing ongoing activities in the province.

According to the draft project, within the 2023-2025 timeframe, there is a target to achieve a service sector growth rate of approximately 7-7.5% annually. Total retail sales of goods and revenue from social consumer services are anticipated to increase by an average of 11.7% annually. Pilot programs are planned for the organization of walking streets in 3-4 areas.

For the 2026-2030 period, the project aims for a service sector growth rate of about 8-8.5% per year, with total retail sales of goods and revenue from social consumer services rising by an average of 14.3%.

By 2030, the goal is to attract over four million tourists, with approximately 50% of them participating in nighttime activities. The province will provide accommodation facilities with 9,400 rooms to accommodate overnight tourists. Additionally, 4 to 5 areas for organizing walking streets, night markets, shopping and culinary streets, entertainment services, as well as cultural and artistic performances during the nighttime, will be maintained and expanded across the province.

Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Province People’s Committee Hoang Nam addresses the meeting. Photo: Tran Tuyen

The estimated budget for implementing the Project is approximately VND14.8 trillion (US$607 million), sourced from both the state budget and social financing. Of this, the state budget will contribute around VND101.4 billion ($4.15 million), with socialized capital amounting to VND14.7 trillion ($603 million).

During the meeting, representatives from various departments, branches, and local authorities agreed with the preliminary content of the project. They also focused on discussing specific aspects such as the selection and assessment of suitable locations, the utilization of public assets during project implementation, assigning responsibilities to related authorities, resource allocation, environmental considerations, public awareness campaigns throughout the tourism development process, and investment in appropriate services for each phase.

In concluding the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam emphasized that promoting nighttime economy is both necessary and in alignment with broader societal trends. He noted that Quang Tri boasts considerable potential and advantages for nighttime economic development.

While agreeing with the project’s name, Nam stressed the importance of researching and adjusting the timing and spatial aspects of nighttime activities. These should be closely linked to the specific characteristics of each locality. He proposed determining a clear timeline for project implementation to facilitate focused and purposeful planning.

In the immediate future, the focus should be on executing the project in areas that already have established identities and brands, such as Dong Ha City, Quang Tri Town, Lao Bao Town in Huong Hoa, among others. Subsequently, each locality should conduct research and implement activities tailored to their unique circumstances to diversify the types of tourism, he noted.

Nam also suggested that efforts should be made to consider and propose mechanisms and policies that encourage businesses to participate in nighttime activities.

“Clear delegation of authority and decentralization in management should be established, allowing localities to decide on matters within their jurisdiction related to nighttime economic development,” he noted.

Taking into account the discussions and recommendations from various departments, branches, and localities, the Department of Planning and Investment is tasked with refining the draft project.

Upon approval, the project is expected to be enacted and have a tangible impact. After the draft project is finalized, the Provincial People’s Committee will submit it to the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee for guidance and to the Provincial People’s Council for policy and resource considerations.

Ngoc Mai - Tran Tuyen