Conference to launch the 2017 National Tourism Year program in the expanded Northwest region.

The session received technical support from the “Environmentally and Socially Responsible Tourism Capacity Development Programme” Project (EU-ESRT Project, funded by the European Union).

At the meeting, Ms. Mary McKeon, Head of the EU-ESRT International Consulting Team, contributed technical input with a presentation entitled "Strengthening Promotion and Effective Implementation of the 2017 National Tourism Year," including assessments of the National Tourism Year implementation activities proposed by eight provinces. Simultaneously, best practices for National Tourism Year implementation from Malaysia, South Korea, and Europe were also presented by the expert to provide practical lessons for the Northwest provinces in implementing the program.

Meeting to implement the 2017 National Tourism Year program in the expanded Northwest region.

Expert Mary McKeon emphasized that for the 2017 National Tourism Year Program to be most effective, top priority should be given to events throughout the year, linking them to sub-themes and organizing at least one new event to make a mark. In addition, key events should be connected according to product lines, integrated into the main event program, and each quarter should include at least two international-scale events.

Experts also noted that localities need to strengthen the participation of the business sector, promote marketing activities by doing a good job of destination marketing, and build a more attractive and appealing brand identity… In addition, to enhance the impact of the National Tourism Year, provinces should focus on the three years 2016, 2017, and 2018 with activities carried out in three phases: Preparation, Implementation, and Making an Impression.

In 2016, the EU-ESRT Project supported the Northwestern provinces in expanding their participation in the VITM 2016 International Tourism Fair in Hanoi and organized a press conference within the framework of the Fair to announce activities in 2016 as well as events in the National Tourism Year 2017 of the 8 provinces.

Under the patronage of the Northwest Steering Committee and sponsored by the Vietnam Tourism Association and Vietnam Airlines, the "Northwest Tourism" exhibition booth at VITM 2016 covered an area of ​​nearly 500m2, helping to promote the Northwest tourism brand and introduce responsible tourism to potential domestic tourists.

The exhibition booth is designed to reflect the characteristics of the Northwest region, showcasing its majestic nature, diverse and unique culture, glorious history, and friendly, hospitable people. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about tourism products and services in the region, shop for handicrafts and local specialties, and enjoy unique cultural and artistic performances by the people of the Northwest.

In 2008, eight provinces in the expanded Northwest region, including Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Ha Giang, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on tourism development to rationally exploit the tourism potential of the localities and promote tourism growth in the entire region. Cooperation activities were implemented in areas such as policy mechanisms, tourism product development, human resource training and development, and promotion and advertising. The expanded Northwest region was identified by the EU-ESRT Project as one of five key areas to support responsible tourism development, alongside Quang Ninh (Ha Long), the North Central region, the Central Coast, and the Mekong Delta.

The Thanh