The 5th Mekong Delta investment forum (MekongInvest 2017) took place in Can Tho city on October 25 to call for investment in tourism projects across 13 regional localities.
An overview of Cai Rang floating market, a tourist destination in the Mekong Delta (Photo: SGGP)
Can Tho (VNA) - The 5th MekongDelta investment forum (MekongInvest 2017) took place in Can Tho city on October25 to call for investment in tourism projects across 13 regional localities.
Thirty-three realty and tourism projects,with total capital amounting to nearly 7.8 trillion VND (343.2 million USD),were introduced at the event.
Speaking at the forum, Nguyen Tri Hieu, aneconomic expert, said local tourism falls short of potential due to incompleteinfrastructure, limited air and waterway travel services, and a lack of otherservices serving tourists’ demand for entertainment and health care.
Hieu said the sector is in need of stronginvestment to grow and noted investors want more support from local authoritiesto access favourable policies and planning information.
Vo Hung Dung, Director of the VietnamChamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)’s branch in Can Tho, said the delta isearmarked to accommodate 100,000 rooms by 2030, of which about 30 percent was rankedthree – five stars.
He pointed to the fact that the region nowhas just about 60 three- and five-star hotels that accommodate a total of 8,000rooms, mainly in Phu Quoc island and Can Tho city.
The region is home to only two majorentertainment complexes, one large-scale rest stop and no regional-scaleshopping centre, he added.
Pham The Trieu, deputy head of the regionalTourism Association, suggested local tourism firms form connectivity and boostquality of their workforce, particularly in customer services and foreignlanguage capacity.
As heard at the function, in the past eightyears, Mekong Delta’s tourism grew over an average of 10 percent annually.
In 2016, the region welcomed 28 milliontourists and reeled in 15 trillion VND (660 million USD). Goals have been setfor the figures to hit 34 million tourist arrivals and 25 trillion VND (1.1billion USD) by 2020, which means substantial efforts are required.
The MekongInvest is held annually by the VCCIand the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre in the Mekong Delta.-VNA
Measures to realise a master plan on tourism development in the Mekong Delta to 2020 with a vision to 2030 were discussed at a conference held in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on April 5.
Experts and travel operators gathered at a workshop in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on June 9 to seek ways to promote the region’s tourism potential.
Some 2.4 million people visited the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap in the first nine months of the year, a year-on-year hike of 23 percent, according to the provincial People’s Committee.
The third Vietnam-Japan trade and cultural exchange programme and fifth annual Mekong Delta investment forum will be held in Can Tho city in October and November to lure more investment in trade and services from Japanese businesses.
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.
An overview of Cai Rang floating market, a tourist destination in the Mekong Delta (Photo: SGGP) 
