Seventy years ago, under the wise leadership of the Party and President Hồ Chí Minh, alongside the bravery and intelligence of General Võ Nguyên Giáp, our army and people achieved the splendid victory of Điện Biên Phủ, "Shining across five continents, shaking the globe". Over the past 70 years, with the Party and State's attentive leadership, and the support and cooperation of central agencies, as well as localities, enterprises, investors, organizations, and individuals, the Party Committee, government, and people of different ethnic groups in the province have inherited and upheld the heroic tradition of Điện Biên Phủ, achieving significant milestones in socio-economic development and ensuring national defense and security.

Điện Biên Province, with its rich cultural tapestry of 19 ethnic groups, has gained nationwide and international recognition for its remarkable historical and cultural sites. These include the special national historical site of the Điện Biên Phủ battlefield, the shrines dedicated to heroes and martyrs, and the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum, which boasts the largest Panorama painting in Asia. Additionally, notable sites such as Mường Phăng, Pá Khoang, A Pa Chải - Mường Nhé, Hua Pe, U Va, and the enchanting land of ban flowers, and more recently, cherry blossoms, contribute to its allure.

With the attention of the Central Government and the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, as well as sister provinces, the National Tourism Year – Điện Biên 2024 will feature nearly 170 programmes and events in culture, sports, and tourism of national and international significance throughout 2024. This event serves as both an honor and an opportunity for Điện Biên Province to showcase its beauty, hospitality, and promote its tourism offerings on both the domestic and international stage.

Điện Biên Province sincerely extends its gratitude for the attention and support of Party leaders, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Deputy Prime Minister, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, central agencies, as well as the active support of provinces, cities, organizations, and individuals both domestically and abroad. Special appreciation is also extended to the sponsoring units, Vietnam Television, and press agencies for their collaboration with the province.

With this spirit, on behalf of the Organizing Committee, I hereby declare the official commencement of the National Tourism Year – Điện Biên and the Ban Flower Festival 2024.

(*) Excerpt from the speech of Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Trần Quốc Cường.