The “Smokeless Industry” Promotes Cooperation and Affirms Its Role in the Province.

For a long time, Dong Nai has been known as a province with strong industrial development and significant FDI attraction. Few people would have imagined that Dong Nai could become a leading province in tourism. However, Dong Nai is carving out its own distinctive direction and affirming its position on Vietnam’s tourism map through ecotourism.

Looking at the tourism destinations that have been operating, most are eco-tourism and resort models. Notable eco-tourism destinations include Buu Long Tourist Area, Giang Dien Waterfall, Suoi Mo, Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai Nature and Cultural Reserve, along with many other eco-tourism projects worth trillions of VND that are being rapidly completed and put into operation to serve visitors. Dong Nai possesses rich and diverse tourism resources such as forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. The province also benefits from a convenient transportation network with major routes passing through, including National Highway 1, National Highway 20, National Highway 51, the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway, Long Thanh International Airport, and many other expressways.

As tourism in the province develops, what opportunities are available for tourism students? These concerns are not only shared by students but also by lecturers of the Tourism and Travel Service Management program under the Faculty of Business Administration and International Economics at Lac Hong University. Key concerns revolve around internship placements, employment opportunities after graduation, and expanding partnerships with tourism associations and businesses within and beyond the province to ensure students feel confident about their chosen field and secure stable, long-term careers contributing to provincial tourism development.

With the desire to receive support from tourism enterprises, associations, and related organizations, the Tourism and Travel Service Management program has collaborated with Faculty leadership and the Enterprise Relations Department to connect with businesses and strengthen training programs, provide qualified human resources, and address student employment issues.

It is evident that COVID-19 has severely impacted Vietnam’s tourism industry in general and Dong Nai’s tourism sector in particular. To overcome these challenges and implement the province’s tourism development strategy, the academic staff of the Tourism and Travel Service Management program at Lac Hong University has continuously made efforts to strengthen partnerships and enhance external relations. This includes the New Year visit and greetings delegation consisting of:

1. Dr. Nguyen Van Tan – Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and International Economics

2. Mr. Phan Van Hai, M.A. – Head of the Tourism and Travel Service Management Program

3. Mr. Vu Duc Cuong, M.A. – Lecturer of the Tourism and Travel Service Management Program

4. Mr. Vo Thai Sinh – Officer of the Faculty’s Enterprise Relations Division

The delegation visited and extended greetings to organizations such as Dong Nai Tourism Joint Stock Company; Dong Nai Tourism Association; Thai Loan Travel Company; Tri An Adventure Travel Company; and Central Park Hotel.

A representative of Dong Nai Tourism Joint Stock Company shared:

“Career opportunities in tourism are very diverse. Graduates can work as specialists in state agencies such as the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, local tourism management agencies, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, or the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Those who are passionate about teaching and research can work at educational and research institutions as lecturers or researchers. There are also numerous positions available in travel companies, enterprises with tourism departments, restaurants, hotels, resorts, and other hospitality establishments.

In addition, essential qualities for tourism professionals include caring for others, active listening, sensitivity, psychological understanding, and continuous improvement of communication, behavior, and problem-solving skills. Especially important are strong foreign language proficiency and comprehensive knowledge in socio-cultural fields.

Given current labor market demand, finding a job is not difficult. Instead of worrying, students should prepare the necessary and sufficient conditions before entering the labor market to seize career opportunities. Our company is committed to supporting and collaborating with the Faculty and the program to build a long-term and sustainable strategy.”

The New Year visit and greeting trip has contributed to gradually refining the Faculty’s training programs, plans, and strategic orientation, increasing opportunities for students, and helping the Tourism and Travel Service Management program at Lac Hong University continue to grow and stand alongside peer institutions in education and training.