Nghe An Province hosts Sen (Lotus) Tourism and Culinary Festival 2024

The 2024 Sen (Lotus) Tourism and Culinary Festival, which is co-organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) and Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee, officially opened in Vinh City on November 29.
The delegates press a button to open the 2024 Lotus Tourism and Culinary Festival.
The delegates press a button to open the 2024 Lotus Tourism and Culinary Festival.

With convenient transportation infrastructure and modern tourism facilities, Nghe An has seen the development of many new tourist attractions and products, attracting a growing number of domestic and international visitors.

In the first 11 months of 2024, the province welcomed 9.11 million tourists, marking a 14% increase over the same period in 2023. Notably, the number of international visitors reached 107,200, a 54% increase compared to the previous year. The total revenue from tourism was estimated at 27.841 trillion VND, with 10.865 trillion VND coming from tourism-related activities.

The diverse ecosystem of the West Nghe An region, particularly the Pu Mat National Park, attracts numerous visitors every year.

The diverse ecosystem of the West Nghe An region, particularly the Pu Mat National Park, attracts numerous visitors every year.

At the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee, Bui Dinh Long, said that the 2024 Lotus Tourism and Culinary Festival is not only an opportunity for visitors to explore the natural beauty, history, and culture of Nghe An but also a chance to pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh.

Vice Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee, Bui Dinh Long, speaks at the ceremony.

Vice Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee, Bui Dinh Long, speaks at the ceremony.

This is also an opportunity to enhance the promotion of Nghe An's image, affirm its tourism brand as safe, friendly, and hospitable, as well as to introduce culinary arts, honour, and promote the value of enjoying dishes made from traditional, rustic ingredients; strengthen exchanges, and promote the art of preparing famous traditional dishes, especially the dishes from the lotus of Nghe An, the Vice Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee stated.

At the ceremony, Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Trung Khanh shared that Nghe An is a land of great cultural and historical significance, offering not only fascinating experiences along its 82-kilometre coastline with rich marine and island potentials but also the opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Western Nghe An region, home to the vast Pu Mat National Park. You can also immerse yourself in the sweet melodies of the Vi-Giam traditional folk songs, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Additionally, Nghe An is known for its unique and diverse cuisine with local ingredients.

VNAT Director Nguyen Trung Khanh speaks at the event.

VNAT Director Nguyen Trung Khanh speaks at the event.

One of the highlights of this year's festival is the lotus culinary space, featuring dishes made from lotus. This special tourism product is meticulously organised by Nghe An Province and elevated to a festival to promote the unique culture and cuisine of the homeland and to honour the nation's historical and spiritual values.

The 2024 Lotus Tourism and Culinary Festival, with more than 70 booths, takes place from November 29 to December 1 at the Provincial Cultural Centre and Ho Tung Mau Walking Street (Vinh City), with a variety of diverse and rich activities.

The 2024 Lotus Tourism and Culinary Festival, with more than 70 booths, takes place from November 29 to December 1 at the Provincial Cultural Centre and Ho Tung Mau Walking Street (Vinh City), with a variety of diverse and rich activities.

These include exhibitions showcasing tourist destinations, products, and services from Nghe An and other provinces and cities; cooking demonstrations, tastings, and presentations of special dishes from Nghe An and other regions of the country; and displays of OCOP products and regional specialties.

NDO