Effectively Exploiting Tourism Resources in Central Highlands Da Lat City

Da Lat, in the central province of Lam Dong, is endowed with dreamlike yet wild and mysterious tourist destinations that attract a great number of tourists every year.

With advantages in climate, natural landscape and forest resources, tourism has long been a strength of Lam Dong. Lam Dong forests are home to valuable and rare plants and animals. They also have the function of protecting the upstream river system. The biodiversity of this ecosystem, especially the pine forests in Da Lat, plays an important role in the tourist landscape. Together with rivers, streams, lakes, dams and waterfalls, Lam Dong’s forests have created a biological population appealing to both domestic and international tourists. Visitors can enjoy the landscape forests surrounding Da Lat, Tuyen Lam lake tourist area, Suoi Vang – Dankia lake tourist area, Love valley tourist area, Datanla waterfall tourist area, Prenn waterfall, Pongour waterfall, Dam B’ri waterfall and Lang Biang mountain.

 

The northern tourist centre consists of Da Lat city and surrounding areas. Da Lat, a 100-year-old city (founded in 1893), is becoming one of the most attractive tourist draws for domestic and international tourists. Tourists to Da Lat can enjoy many types of fruits and traditional food, as well as purchase souvenirs of Da Lat. Besides, Da Lat is known for its famous lakes, waterfalls, pine forests and architectural works.

 

The southern tourist centre consists of Bao Loc town and surrounding areas. Bao Loc is located on Bao Loc – Di Linh plateau, at the height of 1,000 metres, with a temperate climate and beautiful scenery. This place is home to ethnic minority groups of different cultures and traditions, suitable for the development of tourism. There are also relics here.

 

In addition, many communities with cultural features of the Southern Central Highlands also create favourable conditions for Da Lat – Lam Dong to diversify its tourism services.

Ms Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Deputy Director of Lam Dong Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, says that Lam Dong has focused on attracting investment, expanding and diversifying tourism services, as well as co-operating with other regions to set up tourism programmes. Especially, with a view to attract investment, the province established a centre for Investment Promotion of Trade and Tourism.

With many endeavours to develop its tourism sector, in 2009 Lam Dong welcomed 2.5 visitors (an increase of 8.7 % against 2008) and its turnover is estimated to be over VND3,500 billion. The accommodation system is being expanded and tourist spots and groups are receiving more investment. In 2009, two new tourist spots were put into exploitation, namely Rung Hoa and Truc Lam Vien. By now, the province has successfully attracted 235 tourism projects with total capital investment of VND 62,955 billion. Most of these projects are on ecotourism, relaxation and MICE.

 

Also according to Ms Ngoc, it is estimated that in 2010, Da Lat – Lam Dong will welcome some three million visitors, and its turnover will reach some VND4,000 billion. By 2015, the number of tourists it welcomes will be some four million. These are not too difficult targets to achieve, especially when the world economy is recovering and 2010 is also the year when Vietnam is assuming the position of ASEAN chairman.