Representatives of The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) have suggested Mekong Delta localities set forth a new vision and solutions for tourism development. 

Can Tho aims to serve 2.45 million holiday-makers overnight in 2018, up 28.9 percent against 2017 (Source: mykhanh.com)

The BCG consultants made the proposal at a working session with the People’s Committee of Can Tho city on May 16, which sought ways to develop tourism adaptable to climate change in the Mekong Delta. 

The region should maximise resources and economic sectors to create differences in sustainable development, they said, urging authorities to make best use of landscapes, natural resources as well as historical and cultural values to turn the region into an ideal tourist destination. 

The consultants pointed out that although the Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s production hub of rice, fruits and seafood, it is one of the regions in the country most affected by climate change. 

They suggested Can Tho, as the central city of the region, focus on natural exploration, entertainment and cultural experience while developing tourism. 

They said with pristine islets like Con Son, Con Au, Con Khuong and Tan Loc, along with orchards, Can Tho is suitable for leisure tourism and natural exploration. 

Can Tho should utilise its resources in terms of infrastructure and human resources to host international cultural, sports and musical events, they said, highlighting the success of the Asian Volleyball Confederation Women's Beach Volleyball Championship which was held in the city last year. 

As a cradle of different forms of arts, including UNESCO-recognised Don ca tai tu (amateur singing), plus various historical and cultural relic sites and handicraft villages, Can Tho is prime for cultural exploration. 

The consultants also proposed restoring the mangrove forest system of Can Tho and the southwestern region, which is shrinking due to impacts of climate change, by launching tours which allow tourists to join forestation efforts. 

Le Van Tam, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, said Can Tho is working on a project on renewing ferries in the city, aiming to enable them to serve both transportation and tourism. He noted that Can Tho hopes to receive the BCG’s support to implement the project.

Can Tho enjoyed strong growth in tourism last year thanks to a series of international political and cultural events and traditional festivals, according to the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The number of tourist arrivals surged 40 percent to 7.5 million, while tourism revenues rose 61 percent to 2.9 trillion VND (127.6 million USD).

The city aims to serve 2.45 million holiday-makers overnight in 2018, up 28.9 percent against 2017.-VNA