Mekong Delta enjoys tourism growth

Visitors at Mui Nai beach in Kien Giang province’s Ha Tien town.

During the period, Can Tho City received 1.8 million tourists, up 19 per cent year-on-year, according to the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The city’s tourism revenue rose by 28 per cent to reach VND515 billion ($22.6 million).

Tran Viet Phuong, director of the department, attributed the surge in tourist arrivals to rising demand for travelling during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday and various festive activities held in the city during the holiday.

Famous tourist attractions, such as Cai Rang floating market, My Khanh tourism village, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery, Binh Thuy ancient house, and con Son (Son islet), were crowded with domestic and foreign tourists during Tet, Phuong said.

To lure more tourists, the city has fostered tourism promotion and links with other major cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Hanoi, he said.

Last year, the city welcomed 7.5 million tourists, up 40 per cent year-on-year, and tourism revenue surged by 61 per cent to VND2.9 trillion ($127.6 million).

Kien Giang Province’s tourism income topped the region last year, totaling VND4.58 trillion ($201.4 million), said Pham Vu Hong, chairman of the provincial People’s Committee.

The province is encouraging enterprises to invest in infrastructure and tourism facilities, as well as upgrade historical, cultural and scenic sites to serve tourists, Hồng said.

It has enhanced tourism marketing and promotion in local markets and abroad, he said.

The province has mapped out four key tourism zones, including Phu Quoc Island, Ha Tien - Kien Luong, Rach Gia - Kien Hai and U Minh Thuong National Park, he said.

The number of tourists visiting the province totaled more than 1 million in the first two months of the year, up 2.5 per cent year-on-year.

Dong Thap, Long An and Tien Giang provinces have collaborated with Ho Chi Minh City to develop the “One journey, three destinations” route tour to promote the sustainable tourism development in the Mekong Delta region.