The proposals were discussed at a seminar in Dong Nai on May 20 titled “Dong Nai tourism takes off with Long Thanh airport”, organised by the Dong Nai Tourism Association.
Experts said Dong Nai needed a long-term tourism development strategy closely linked to the airport, including tourism zoning plans, upgraded tourism products and stronger transport connectivity between the airport and local destinations.
Participants also proposed accelerating digitalisation of tourism services so passengers arriving at the airport could more easily access information on destinations, accommodation, dining, tours and local products.
Truong Trung Thanh, deputy director of Long Thanh International Airport, said the airport should serve not only as a transport hub but also as a gateway to tourism experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer and return in the future.
He said the area surrounding the airport should gradually develop a synchronised tourism and service ecosystem, including hotels, shopping centres, entertainment venues, healthcare services and leisure facilities to meet growing international travel demand.
Vu The Binh, chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said Long Thanh airport could become a major driver of Dong Nai’s tourism and service sectors once operational, with passenger traffic expected to reach hundreds of millions annually in the long term.
Dong Nai authorities said the province would accelerate a tourism master plan through 2035, focusing on airport-linked services, high-quality accommodation and a new tourism brand.
They also stressed the need to improve tourism workforce training, including for tour guides, hotel and service staff, as the province prepares for rising international arrivals linked to the airport.