Hà Giang, a remote province in northern Vietnam, is rapidly establishing itself as a premier cultural and natural tourism destination in Asia, attracting millions of visitors and garnering international acclaim. The province’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and burgeoning tourism infrastructure are driving this remarkable growth, as highlighted at a recent tourism promotion forum held in Hanoi.
Hà Giang’s Tourism Boom: A Testament to Provincial Initiatives
The forum, “Promoting Hà Giang Tourism – A Leading Cultural Destination in Asia,” showcased the significant strides Hà Giang has made in the tourism sector. Vương Ngọc Hà, Vice Chairwoman of the Hà Giang Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized the province’s commitment to developing its tourism potential. “Hà Giang, situated on the northern border of Vietnam, boasts breathtaking natural landscapes with significant geological and geographical value,” she stated. “The unique traditional cultural heritage of the various ethnic groups residing here, diligently preserved and promoted, represents a considerable advantage for the province’s tourism development.”
Ms. Hà highlighted the proactive role of the Hà Giang Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People’s Council, and the Provincial People’s Committee in driving this success. “Over the past years, we have strengthened leadership and guidance, enacting numerous policies to boost tourism development, achieving significant results,” she said. “Hà Giang tourism has increasingly attracted both domestic and international tourists, effectively leveraging the province’s rich resources and strengths in tourism development.”
In 2024 alone, Hà Giang welcomed over 3.2 million tourists, a testament to its growing popularity. This influx of visitors underscores the success of the province’s strategic initiatives and targeted marketing efforts.
International Recognition: A Global Spotlight on Hà Giang
Hà Giang’s burgeoning reputation is not confined to Vietnam. The province consistently ranks among the world’s most desirable travel destinations, as featured in prestigious international travel publications. The New York Times included Hà Giang in its list of the world’s most captivating destinations. Furthermore, the World Travel Awards (WTA) has bestowed upon Hà Giang significant honors: “Leading Emerging Destination in Asia” in 2023 and “Leading Cultural Destination in Asia” in 2024.
Hà Văn Siêu, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, corroborated this international recognition. “Hà Giang is a land of exceptional values, where majestic nature harmoniously blends with the unique cultural identity of ethnic minorities,” he stated. “The community’s dedication to preserving and promoting this vibrant heritage within the vast forests is commendable. Hà Giang has not only been recognized by the World Tourism Organization as a leading cultural destination in Asia but is also solidifying its position as a national and regional tourism powerhouse.”
However, Mr. Siêu also acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Hà Giang possesses abundant tourism resources, but transforming these raw materials into compelling tourism products that truly resonate with tourists’ emotions and needs requires immense passion and creativity,” he explained. He emphasized the need for continuous innovation, investment in enriching tourist experiences, and enhanced marketing strategies. This includes encouraging longer stays, increased spending, and repeat visits. “We must also strengthen modern and effective tourism promotion, particularly through collaborations with media outlets and influencers to effectively promote Hà Giang to both domestic and international tourists,” he added.
The Forum: A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation
The forum itself provided a vibrant platform for discussion on the potential, challenges, and opportunities for sustainable tourism development in Hà Giang. Participants shared insights and perspectives, fostering collaboration towards a shared vision.
Ali Akbar Nazari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, shared his personal experience with Hà Giang’s captivating beauty. “Allow me to express my profound gratitude to the people of Hà Giang for their warm hospitality during my recent visit to your beautiful province,” he said. “As a visitor to Hà Giang, I was captivated by the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this region. My recent trip to Hoàng Su Phì left an unforgettable impression on me.”
Highlighting Shan Tuyet Tea and the Potential for International Partnerships
Ambassador Nazari further highlighted the potential of Shan Tuyet tea, a unique product deeply rooted in Hà Giang’s history and culture. “Shan Tuyet tea’s environmentally friendly production process and deep cultural connection make it not just a treasure of Vietnam, but an ambassador of your heritage on the international stage,” he noted. He emphasized the significant potential for bilateral cooperation between Iran and Vietnam to promote and share the beauty of Shan Tuyet tea and Hà Giang’s culture with the global market, citing Iran’s substantial tea consumption.
To solidify this collaboration, Ambassador Nazari proposed several initiatives. These include a cultural exchange program showcasing Hà Giang’s Shan Tuyet tea in Iran, combined with Vietnamese music and art to foster cultural understanding. He further suggested establishing partnerships between Shan Tuyet tea producers and Iranian tea importers and distributors, focusing on retail and hospitality sectors. Finally, he proposed a sustainable tourism initiative, creating joint programs for eco-tourism enthusiasts in both countries, highlighting the role of tea in sustainable tourism experiences.
Leveraging the Arts and Culture to Enhance Hà Giang’s Appeal
Xuân Bắc, People’s Artist and Director of the Vietnam Department of Performing Arts, shared his perspectives on the province’s rich cultural heritage and its potential for artistic inspiration. He recounted a recent event where nearly 2,000 people sang “Hà Giang quê hương tôi” (Hà Giang, my homeland), a song reflecting the region’s unique cultural spirit. “Hà Giang possesses all the ingredients to become a wellspring of artistic inspiration, from its magnificent natural landscapes and profound cultural depth to its welcoming people,” he stated.
He further emphasized the need for greater investment in infrastructure, particularly transportation, to ease access to this remote region. “While several films have been shot here, it is still not enough,” he said. “Hà Giang deserves even greater representation on the cultural and artistic map. To truly help Hà Giang take off, we need significant investment in transportation infrastructure so that tourists no longer experience challenging road conditions.”
Vũ Thế Bình, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, pledged the association’s commitment to collaborating with Hà Giang province. “With our 17,000 member tourism businesses, the Vietnam Tourism Association is committed to working closely with the province to quickly develop a distinctive cultural tourism product for Hà Giang,” he affirmed.
Embracing Digital Transformation for Global Reach
Nguyễn Quyết Tâm, a digital transformation expert in tourism and Chairman and CEO of VietISO, stressed the importance of digitalization for enhancing Hà Giang’s global visibility. “To stand out on global search platforms, Hà Giang needs a systematic digital transformation,” he stated. This includes establishing a consistent and easily recognizable brand identity for Hà Giang tourism in the digital sphere.
He outlined a comprehensive digital tourism ecosystem, encompassing an official website, integrated digital maps, AI technology, mobile applications, AR/VR experiences, and an online booking system. This would create a complete tourism database. Furthermore, he advocated for enhanced digital communication with engaging content, digital skills training for tourism professionals, connectivity with regional and national digital tourism platforms, and the use of data analytics for optimization. “When the Hà Giang brand is properly presented in the digital environment, the destination will powerfully resonate with global tourists,” he concluded.
The forum concluded with a shared understanding of Hà Giang’s immense tourism potential and the collaborative efforts required to realize its full potential. The province’s commitment to sustainable development, coupled with strategic partnerships and technological advancements, positions Hà Giang for continued growth as a leading cultural and natural tourism destination in Asia.
