HCM City, Mekong Delta localities set up tourism linkage council
Ho Chi Minh City and 13 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta set up a tourism linkage council at a conference on July 4 reviewing their cooperation on tourism development in the first six months of this year.
Can Tho (VNA) –Ho Chi Minh City and 13 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta set up atourism linkage council at a conference on July 4 reviewing their cooperationon tourism development in the first six months of this year.
HCM City and the Mekong Delta signed atourism development cooperation agreement last December.
Director of HCM City’sTourism Department Bui Ta Hoang Vu highlighted the encouraging results of thecooperation, with 5,000 foreign travellers departing HCM City to Mekong Deltalocalities in the first two months of the year, up 14 percent year on year.
He reported that thecity’s revenues from tourism in June picked up 13.5 percent from the sameperiod last year, partly thanks to new products and new tourism routes linkingHCM City with Mekong Delta localities.
Vice Chairman of the Can Tho municipalPeople’s Committee Duong Tan Hien said links between HCM City and Mekong Deltalocalities have helped the two sides expand tourism markets.
Nguyen Huu Tho,chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, urged the sides to pay attentionto developing human resources to serve tourism development in the region./.
The HCM City tourism sector will run a stimulus programme from April to July to revive tourism industry which has been hit quite badly by the new coronavirus outbreak.
The HCM City Department of Tourism has estimated that the city’s tourism industry suffered losses worth close to 10 trillion VND (426.2 million USD) in the first quarter of this year due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism authorities in the Mekong Delta are stepping up efforts to attract domestic visitors, with a focus on regaining trust so that they feel safe about going to tourist destinations and lodgings there.
Ho Chi Minh City is carry out a range of promotion programmes aiming to increase the number of tourists to the city which saw a 54.7-percent drop in the first half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
In Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA) 
