No vacancies

Hà Thanh Thư, a tourist from Hà Nội, plans to visit Điện Biên Province from March 15 to March 18 for a business trip. After finalizing her schedule, she attempted to book accommodations in Điện Biên Phủ City. However, this task proved challenging as all the hotels and guesthouses she contacted were fully booked.

"I tried to call 15 hotels and guesthouses in the city, but all said there were no rooms available on those days. I had to ask acquaintances in the province for help, but there were only homestays on the outskirts available," she said.

Nguyễn Thị Thủy, the manager of Mường Phăng Hotel in Thanh Bình Ward, Điện Biên Phủ City, confirmed that all rooms have been booked during the upcoming peak period. With 21 rooms accommodating a maximum of 60 to 70 guests, the hotel has been operating at nearly full capacity since after the Lunar New Year.

"From one to two months ago, rooms were fully booked for the Ban Flower Festival. Many people have been calling to inquire about room reservations these days, but I have to decline," she said.

Long Giang Hotel in Him Lam Ward, Điện Biên Phủ City is also fully booked for the peak period. With 40 rooms serving up to 120 guests, there are no vacancies from early March to mid-May 2024.

Nguyễn Minh Hiền, the manager of Long Giang Hotel, said: "At the end of 2023, preparations for welcoming guests for the National Tourism Year and other important events were completed, including upgrading equipment, supplies, room sanitation. We strictly adhere to the listed prices, provide transportation support, and offer room discounts for volunteer groups and veterans," she said. "We hope to bring a good experience to tourists," she added.

Accommodation plans for tourists

The provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism reported that there are currently 205 tourist accommodation establishments, providing 2,767 rooms in the province, including 121 accommodation establishments with 1,839 rooms in Điện Biên Phủ City.

In particular, the provincial People's Committee has asked 11 hotels and guesthouses to supply rooms to serve domestic and international delegates attending the Điện Biên Province’s National Tourism Year, the Ban Flower Festival 2024, and the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory.

Currently, Điện Biên Phủ City still falls short of meeting the demands for capacity and hospitality, particularly during peak periods and major events. To address this shortfall, the provincial People's Committee is rallying local residents to bolster accommodation services for tourists during these busy times.

In coordination with ward and commune authorities, lists are being compiled of households equipped and willing to provide hosting services for visitors. This proactive approach ensures that tourists are allocated safe and welcoming accommodations, enhancing their overall experience.

To date, Nam Thanh Ward and Thanh Minh Commune have completed their lists, comprising 14 households and the village cultural center, collectively capable of hosting over 260 guests through homestay services.

As the influx of tourists to Điện Biên Phủ City continues to rise, the active involvement of local households in providing accommodation not only ensures a comfortable stay for visitors but also leaves a lasting impression of the warm and hospitable spirit of Điện Biên Province.