Dong Nai seeks to develop tourism into strong economic sector

The Dong Nai City Party Committee’s Executive Committee has issued Resolution No. 10-NQ/TU on developing tourism into a strong economic sector, aiming to tap the city's tourism potential and capitalize on its emerging advantages. The resolution seeks to make tourism a major driver of Dong Nai's socio-economic development.

Son Tien Tourist Area, one of the major tourism destinations in Dong Nai during the 2021–2025 period.

Under Resolution 10, Dong Nai aims to develop its tourism into a high-end, integrated economic sector focused on priority products and destinations that capitalize on the city's distinctive strengths. Tourism is also identified as one of the city's five economic pillars.

Notable progress in tourism development

In the five years since the Executive Committee of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee (now Dong Nai Municipal Party Committee) issued Resolution No. 04-NQ/TU, the local tourism sector has recovered and made notable progress. Awareness of tourism's role in socio-economic development has grown, while Party committees and local authorities have stepped up their efforts to guide the sector's development. Tourism businesses have also contributed to the recovery. Tourism products, facilities and supporting infrastructure have been upgraded, and several destinations have received prestigious domestic and international recognition, further raising Dong Nai's tourism profile.

Over the past five years, businesses have invested more than VND4 trillion in developing new tourism products in Dong Nai. These include two tourist areas – Son Tien in Long Hung Ward and Ba Giot Waterfall in Phu Vinh Commune – and eight hotels that have begun operations, expanding the city's tourism accommodation capacity.

Several destinations in Dong Nai have received domestic and international recognition. In 2024, Cat Tien National Park became the world's 72nd site to be included on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List. The Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve was designated an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2025, while Ta Lai Community-based Tourism Village received the ICRT-SEA 2025 Responsible Tourism Award.

Dong Nai tourism sector sets sights on stronger growth

From 2021 to 2025, Dong Nai welcomed more than 4 million tourist arrivals, including over 120,000 international visitors. Around 880,000 visitor arrivals involved overnight stays. Tourism service revenue exceeded VND3.2 trillion, and the sector created more than 6,200 direct jobs.

Despite this progress, Dong Nai's tourism sector continues to face challenges. Several targets under the previous resolution, including tourist arrivals and tourism service revenue, were not achieved. Average tourist spending remains modest, at about VND800,000 per person per day. The city's tourism resources have yet to be fully developed, and it still lacks enough distinctive attractions. The range of tourism products and services also remains limited.

Resolution 10 aims to establish Dong Nai as an attractive, sustainable destination for high-quality tourism by making better use of its cultural and natural resources. The city plans to develop high-quality tourism products, professional services and a more skilled workforce, while promoting innovation and digital transformation. These efforts are expected to enhance Dong Nai's appeal to visitors and increase tourism's contribution to socio-economic development. By 2030, the city aims to become a major tourism hub in Southeastern and Southern Vietnam.

Under Resolution 10, Dong Nai aims to attract 11.5 million visitors by 2030, including more than 11.2 million domestic visitors and 290,000 international visitors. Tourist arrivals are projected to increase by an average of 18.6% annually. Tourism service revenue is expected to reach VND11.95 trillion, growing by an average of 27.5% per year.

By 2035, Dong Nai aims to attract 20 million visitors, including 19.4 million domestic visitors and 600,000 international visitors. Tourist arrivals are projected to grow by an average of 12% annually, while tourism service revenue is expected to reach VND24 trillion, with annual growth averaging 15.4%.

By T. Moc – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha