Strategy to help Mekong Delta optimise tourism potential

The working session between Can Tho's authorities and the BCG and Novaland on March 18 (Photo: VNA)

A strategy to develop tourism in the Mekong Delta adapted to climate change is being built, aiming to fully tap local potential.

Authorities of Can Tho city, considered the capital of the Mekong Delta, had a working session with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Novaland Group on March 18 to look into the findings of a study on the strategy.

BCG Principal Marcin Miller gave a brief report on the outcomes, saying that the Mekong Delta is likely to become the top riverside destination in Asia.

He noted once implemented, the strategy will help attract nearly 20 million visitors staying overnight with one-third of them foreigners, raising tourists’ total spending to about 4 billion USD by 2030.

Nguyen Thanh Bich Thuy, member of the Board of Directors of Novaland, said her group has discussed with representatives of 13 Mekong Delta localities about what must be done to develop common services in the region and will listen to feedback from the localities to perfect the strategy.

At the meeting, Chairman of the Can Tho People’s Committee Vo Thanh Thong welcomed the report, saying it is among the initial steps towards the success of this strategy.

The building of the strategy needs to fully assess the region’s potential and devise measures to increase tourist arrivals, create more jobs, improve local incomes, build tourism brands and ensure the sustainable development of the local tourism industry.

He said more amendments to the study report need to be made, adding that Can Tho authorities are ready to contribute more opinions so the future strategy will bring socio-economic benefits to the city and other Mekong Delta localities.

The Mekong Delta comprises of Can Tho city and the 12 provinces of An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Ca Mau, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh and Vinh Long.

VNA