SAM SON CITY STRIVES TO ATTRACT 8.5 MILLION TOURISTS IN 2024
In the first quarter of 2024, Sam Son City welcomed 970,000 visitors, exceeding the same period last year by 101.3% and achieving 11.4% of the annual plan. In terms of accommodation, the city served 1,074,880 guest days, representing a 101.9% increase year-over-year and reaching 6.5% of the target. Total revenue from tourism is estimated at VND 203.7 billion, equivalent to 102.6% of the same period in 2023 and 1.3% of the yearly goal. In 2024, Sam Son City, the smallest city in Vietnam, aims to welcome 8.5 million tourists, with an estimated revenue of over VND 15,700 billion.
Regarding trade activities, the city’s total retail sales of goods in the first quarter of 2024 reached approximately VND 2,063 billion, equivalent to 8.1% of the annual plan and a 12.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Goods are diverse in variety and abundant in types, meeting the consumption demands of residents and tourists, especially during and after the Lunar New Year holiday.
Sam Son’s total transportation revenue in the first quarter of 2024 is estimated at VND 207 billion, accounting for 21% of the plan and a 17.1% increase year-over-year. Cargo transportation output reached 211,979 tons, achieving 22.3% of the plan and a 15.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Passenger transportation volume reached 649,890 passengers, representing 17.3% of the target and a 4.6% increase year-over-year.
In terms of industry and handicrafts, right after the Lunar New Year, businesses in Sam Son City resumed production and trading activities according to plan. The primary products include processed food, fish sauce, and wooden and iron products for construction.
Production and consumption of products have increased compared to the same period last year. The production of some major products is as follows: 1,080 thousand liters of fish sauce (109.6% compared to the same period last year), 993 thousand liters of various types of fish paste (107.9% year-over-year), 11,500 tons of ice, 1,590 cubic meters of wooden doors (various types), and 1,655 cubic meters of iron doors (various types).
Sam Son City’s total state budget revenue in the first quarter of 2024 is estimated at VND 266 billion, equivalent to 35% of the province’s target. In particular, revenue from taxes and fees reached VND 37 billion, equivalent to 14% of the provincial estimate. Land use fees amounted to VND 215 billion, representing 45% of the provincial estimate, while other revenues reached VND 14 billion. The city’s total local budget expenditure in the first quarter of 2024 is estimated to be VND 175 billion, or 22% of the provincial plan.
A CITY OF FESTIVALS
At the meeting, a representative of Sam Son City People’s Committee informed that in 2024, the city will organize 17 activities to welcome, celebrate, and conclude the 2024 Sea Tourism Festival, including: Doc Cuoc Temple Blessing Festival; Hon Trong Mai Love Festival; Cau Ngu – Boi Trai Festival; Banh Chung – Banh Giay Festival; SunWorld Park opening; Thanh cuisine festival; an exhibition and promotion market for OCOP products; and the 70th anniversary of welcoming compatriots, cadres, soldiers, and students from the South gathering in the North (1954-2024)…
The highlight of the festival will be the opening ceremony of the 2024 Sea Tourism Festival and the inauguration of the Sea Square – the city’s festival landscape axis, scheduled for the evening of April 27th, with the theme “Sam Son in Dazzling Colors.” The program will feature a low-altitude fireworks display, promising to create a special experience for locals and tourists.
This event marks the beginning of an exciting summer season for the coastal city of Sam Son. It aims to promote the city’s cultural values and tourism products, gradually building Sam Son into a “city of festivals” while attracting investment and capitalizing on natural and social resources. Sam Son City People’s Committee expects the event to attract approximately 200,000 tourists and locals.
During the opening ceremony of the 2024 Sea Tourism Festival, the Sea Square – the city’s festival landscape axis – will be officially inaugurated and put into operation. The Sea Square, along with the central boulevard, stretches over 2.6 kilometers and is 120 meters wide. Two fountains at the square’s center feature 300 jets, along with a synchronized lighting system and an integrated sound system, creating a spectacular water music show never seen before in the locality.
In addition, the Sea Square boasts many unique architectural works, such as 20 decorative trees shaped like bronze drums; a replica of Hon Trong-Mai on Truong Le Mountain; and a model of the Golden Hand Bridge.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Le Van Tu, Chairman of Sam Son City People’s Committee, stated that a highlight of Sam Son’s sea tourism this year is the appearance of the SunWorld Sam Son park complex, with a significant scale and area investment in the North of Vietnam. It includes a water park and a theme park covering a total area of over 33.5 hectares (the total investment for phase 1 exceeds VND 1,500 billion).
Phase 1 of SunWorld Sam Son features game complexes for families and children, making their debut in Southeast Asia and Asia, such as Wave Pool, Lazy River, and thrilling rides. SunWorld Sam Son is scheduled to open on May 18th, 2024, creating a breakthrough tourist attraction and extending the experience for every visitor to Sam Son, Thanh Hoa.
According to VnEconomy, restaurant, hotel, and business owners in Sam Son are currently busy preparing for the upcoming 2024 summer tourist season by cleaning, repairing, and arranging their facilities to welcome visitors.
