Floating markets and river culture are major tourist attractions of Can Tho. Pictured: International tourists visit Cai Rang Floating Market. Photo: KIEU MAI
We need standardized and professional products that reflect local identity.
Assessing the tourism potential of Can Tho, Ms. Cao Thi Ngoc Lan, permanent vice-president of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said: “Can Tho offers a blend of three cultures – Kinh, Hoa and Khmer – combined with a unique and typical cultural heritage, such as the folk music of Southern Vietnam. (Don Ca Tai Tu), recognized by UNESCO. Can Tho currently has abundant tourism resources, relatively complete tourism infrastructure, and plays a central role in Mekong Delta tourism. This diversity of natural and cultural resources constitutes a major asset for the tourism development of Can Tho, allowing it to flourish in a sustainable, in-depth and original way. Therefore, Can Tho should develop distinctive tourism products based on the river-culture-spirituality axis, linked to local identity. On this basis, the city should improve the quality of its services and its human resources, with a view to harmonizing its activities and its tourist destinations.
Sharing this view, Mr. Tran Manh Khang, Director of Nhu Y Travel, suggested: “We should re-evaluate our products and simultaneously develop a three-day, two-night tour to highlight the unique characteristics of the region, enrich visitors’ experience and extend their stay. Furthermore, Can Tho should also exploit the assets of its archipelago and its sandbanks, as well as river products and services linked to the night-time economy.
Mr. Tran Manh Khang said his company is currently developing the product “A Day Like a Merchant”, drawing on the uniqueness of the floating market and offering experiences along the canals leading to it. This trip highlights local cultural and environmental values through the use of eco-friendly products and activities. Can Tho has strong potential for the development of green tourism products, with the region having many businesses, establishments and tourist sites committed to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Promote the role of bond and connection.
Ms. Le Thi Be Bay, Tourism Advisor of the Son Island Agricultural and Tourism Cooperative, said: “In Son Island, we are developing tourism by exploiting our existing resources. From farmers who did not know how to cultivate the land and raise fish, we have transformed our model to combine agriculture and tourism. Thus, we generate income through these two activities, while helping to promote and develop the tourism brand of Son Island in Can Tho. Our success is based on the solidarity of the community, because everyone works together to establish a common value chain for the cooperative’s products and services, while respecting local values and sustainable development. I am confident that with the abundant resources of Soc Trang and Hau Giang (formerly), we can establish even more effective community-based tourism models, as local farmers already have a clear vision for development and connection with the tourism sector. HAS”
Accordingly, Con Son Agricultural Tourism Cooperative joined hands with Cu Lao Dung Island Women Tourism Entrepreneurs Club, Nga Nam Community Tourism Cooperative, Cau Duc Community Tourism Village, etc., to gradually create product and service chains that promote the distinctive cultural values of each region.
Mr. Vu Chan Hung, Chairman of Can Tho Tourism Association, said: “Connectivity and linkages play a crucial role in the development of tourism in Can Tho. This is why the association aims to strengthen links between travel agencies, accommodation providers, transport companies and destinations in order to create a sustainable value chain. At the same time, Can Tho will strengthen its ties with Ho Chi Minh City and the Central and Northern regions, with the aim of establishing structured inter-regional tourist itineraries.
Building on these foundations, Can Tho’s tourism industry also focuses on the development of key products: floating markets and discovery of river culture, immersive agritourism, southern Vietnamese gastronomy, traditional craft villages, spiritual tourism, Khmer culture, community ecotourism and business tourism (MICE – meetings, incentives, congresses and exhibitions).The emphasis is placed on enriching experiences and extending the duration of tourist stays.
Ms. Cao Thi Ngoc Lan, Permanent Vice-President of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said: “Can Tho must leverage its role as the nerve center of the Mekong Delta to create a ripple effect and connect tourism to the country’s provinces and cities, effectively developing forms of tourism associated with the unique culture of the South West. After consolidating its tourism resources, the city’s tourism sector must focus on creating new distinctive tourism products, in particular by perfecting its system of green destinations and promoting its local gastronomy. At the same time, it is essential to strengthen ties not only through agreements, but also through the establishment of comprehensive interprovincial itineraries and tours, in order to fully exploit the Mekong tourism value chain. At the same time, Can Tho should identify key international markets, focus its efforts on promotion, advertising and exploiting its strengths to increase the number of international tourists, and strive to gradually become a regional tourism center worthy of its status.”
The Can Tho tourism industry has identified the development of green and sustainable tourism, linked to the preservation and promotion of local cultural heritage, the creation of an intelligent tourism ecosystem and the construction of a friendly, well-being and professional image of the destination. Therefore, tourism products must be standardized and their competitiveness strengthened. In this regard, partnerships are essential to create connections and drive change. With the concerted efforts of the business community, cooperation and support from relevant agencies and different levels of government, tourism in Can Tho will reach new heights.
AI LAM
Source : https://baocantho.com.vn/xay-dung-dien-mao-moi-cho-du-lich-can-tho-a201170.html
