Removing bottlenecks to boost tourism appeal

Dong Nai has considerable potential for ecotourism, farm-based experiences, and cultural and heritage tourism. However, converting this potential into revenue requires the sector to address investment barriers and develop distinctive products that can compete in the market.

Meerkat Travel Tourism Services Co., Ltd., in Dinh Quan Commune, offers visitors a range of nature-based tours in Dong Nai.

Improving service quality and developing attractive tourism programs and products, particularly those that capitalize on Dong Nai's local strengths, to attract visitors, while working toward distinctive offerings tailored to international tourists, are urgent priorities for Dong Nai's tourism sector.

Unlocking investment resources

At a meeting with tourism businesses in Dong Nai on October 13, land-use regulations were among the key issues raised, alongside the need to improve service quality and develop new products. These issues directly affect the sector’s ability to realize its potential, particularly in garden-based and agricultural tourism.

Nguyen Thi Tuyet, Vice Chairwoman and General Secretary of the Dong Nai Tourism Association, called for a review of regulations to facilitate the multiple use of land by tourism businesses. She said the association regularly gathers feedback from its members and has requested that regularly gathered feedback from its members and would propose that the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (DoCST) work with relevant departments, agencies and localities to submit recommendations to the competent authorities for consideration.

According to tourism businesses, despite its considerable potential, Dong Nai’s tourism sector has yet to keep pace with development requirements. In practice, a garden cannot become a tourist destination by relying solely on fruit trees and scenic surroundings. Operators must also provide spaces to welcome visitors, offer food and beverage services, organize hands-on agricultural production experiences and showcase local products. These activities require clear guidance on land use, construction and business operation requirements to ensure compliance with regulations.

In the first 9 months of 2026, Dong Nai welcomed more than 4.4 million visitors and generated VND3.4 trillion in tourism revenue, meeting 75.7% of its annual target for both indicators. For the fourth quarter, the sector aims to attract a further 1.5 million visitors and generate around VND1.2 trillion in revenue.

Unclear procedures make it difficult for businesses to estimate costs and plan investments. Timely guidance would help viable tourism models unlock the value of agricultural resources, create additional income for local residents and diversify the city’s tourism offerings.

Le Truong Son, Vice Chairman of the City People’s Committee, urged specialized agencies to stay close to the operations of tourist sites and travel companies, provide timely guidance and help resolve difficulties facing garden tourism businesses. He stressed that proposals should be reviewed and classified for resolution by the appropriate authorities, preventing prolonged delays from holding back investment.

Le Thi Ngoc Loan, Director of the DoCST, said that to enhance the effectiveness and quality of local tourism, the sector would work with Cat Tien National Park and travel companies to develop nature exploration tours and forest-based experiences. Community-based tourism in Ta Lai is also being targeted for further development. Another opportunity lies in the international cruise tourism market. A Royal Caribbean Group ship is scheduled to dock at Phuoc An Port in November 2026, opening up opportunities to develop tourism products that attract international visitors to the locality.

Developing distinctive products to boost competitiveness

Nguyen Nho Kien, Director of Meerkat Travel Co., Ltd. in Dinh Quan Commune, said Dong Nai needed to develop signature tourism products that give the destination a clear identity, so visitors would immediately associate the city with a distinctive attraction or experience.

Kien noted that Da Nang is often associated with Ba Na Hills, while Da Lat is known as the city of flowers. Dong Nai, he said, should develop its own distinctive tourism offerings by making the most of its natural and cultural assets, particularly those that set it apart from other destinations.

Dong Nai has a wealth of distinctive tourism assets, including Cat Tien National Park, Tri An Lake and historical sites associated with War Zone D. These resources provide a foundation for tourism experiences that reflect local identity and for linked itineraries combining activities such as forest trail running, boating on Tri An Lake and exploring the region’s historical and cultural heritage.

Dong Nai has abundant tourism resources, but these need to be developed into well-designed offerings that can be brought to market. Rather than promoting attractions individually, the tourism sector should work with businesses to create themed itineraries with well-planned schedules and coordinated services. This would turn the city’s natural and cultural assets into experiences that visitors can readily book and enjoy.

Supporting the proposals put forward by businesses, Vice Chairman of the City People’s Committee Le Truong Son called on the tourism sector to work more closely with businesses and respond promptly to their concerns. He proposed monthly meetings between city leaders, businesses and tourism associations to address bottlenecks involving land use, electricity and construction. Tourism development, he stressed, must be aligned with the city’s broader development strategy; without a clear strategy, Dong Nai could lose valuable time and fail to capitalize on its own strengths. He also urged the sector to connect farms and experiential tourism sites with schools and other educational institutions, while providing local residents with practical training in tourism skills.

By V. The – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho