On July 8, 2026, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lào Cai province organized a conference in Sa Pa to meet with tourism businesses and discuss strategies for tourism development from 2026 to 2030. The event attracted nearly 250 representatives, including leaders from management agencies, experts, professional associations, businesses, investors, and media outlets.

This conference served as a platform for both the government and businesses to identify challenges and propose solutions to create new momentum for growth in the tourism sector, especially following the recent consolidation that has expanded the province's tourism space.

Post-consolidation, Lào Cai has formed a larger tourism area that boasts unique resources, including Fansipan Mountain, the Sa Pa national tourism area, the white plateau of Bắc Hà, the terraced fields of Mù Cang Chải, the hot mineral springs of Trạm Tấu, and the cultural heritage of 29 ethnic groups. These advantages provide a significant opportunity for the province to develop diverse tourism products throughout the year, enhance regional connectivity, and exploit its distinctive tourism resources.

In the first half of 2026, Lào Cai welcomed over 6.75 million visitors, achieving nearly 60% of its annual target, with international arrivals exceeding 940,000. The total revenue from tourism is estimated at over 25 trillion VND, reaching about 50% of the annual plan. This outcome not only lays a solid foundation but also emphasizes the need to shift from broad development to enhancing quality, added value, and competitiveness.

According to Nông Việt Yên, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lào Cai, the province will continue to prioritize investments in infrastructure, particularly transportation systems connecting key tourist sites, developing high-quality accommodations and services, and improving infrastructure at community tourism sites to facilitate business expansion.

Additionally, Lào Cai plans to build a digital tourism foundation, develop smart tourism applications, electronic books, electronic libraries, and a data system to support management and promotion of destinations. Digital transformation will not only enhance promotion efficiency but also assist businesses in innovating management methods, market access, and improving visitor experiences.

Alongside infrastructure and technology, the development of human resources is viewed as a crucial factor in service quality. The province aims to train a professional workforce, enhancing skills for local tourism workers. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of communities in preserving and leveraging traditional cultural values linked to community tourism, green tourism, and experiential tourism.

During the conference, many businesses urged the province to continue refining mechanisms and policies to attract investment, resolve infrastructure issues, support new product development, and enhance workforce training and digital transformation.

Lào Cai will maintain regular dialogues with businesses to promptly address emerging challenges and create a favorable, transparent, and stable investment environment.

On this occasion, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized and rewarded five organizations and five individuals for their outstanding achievements in tourism development in Lào Cai. They also inaugurated the Lào Cai Tourism Association office in Sa Pa, which will enhance connections and support for tourism businesses in the area.