Potential and challenges
The advantages of rivers in Can Tho in particular and the Mekong Delta in general are highly appreciated by tourism service businesses. Accordingly, many tours and tourism products have been put into operation and have received positive feedback from tourists.
Ms. Luong Thi Quynh - Deputy Director of Vietravel Can Tho branch - said that river tourism in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta is one of the most unique types of Vietnam. The dense river system, four-season fruit gardens, along with the rich and close garden lifestyle of the region are the foundation for developing unique tourism products.
In the past, the unit has been exploiting tours combined with rivers such as visiting Cai Rang Floating Market, Con Son, Phong Dien Fruit Garden (Can Tho); Thoi Son Islet (Tien Giang) ...
In addition to advantages, the potential for river tourism has not been fully exploited due to some difficulties in infrastructure, transportation connectivity and lack of innovation in the way tourism products are made. Most of the river tours today are still go-view - return, not really creating in-depth experiences or different values, Ms. Quynh shared.
Recognizing the advantages of river tourism, My Khanh Tourist Village has boldly exploited and invested in cruise experience services with activities such as events, parties, festivals... and received the love of tourists.
Removing infrastructure difficulties, training human resources
Regarding solutions to develop river tourism in the Mekong Delta, experts in the industry said that it is necessary to have favorable policies, remove legal barriers on investment and land lease planning. For existing wharves, it is necessary to continue to invest in additional space and accompanying tourism services.
River transport vehicles need to be invested in accordance with the route schedule and diversified to create richness for river tourism products with types such as: Canoes, sightseeing boats, accommodation boats, yachts, etc.
In early May this year, leaders of the Department of Industry and Trade of Can Tho City received and worked with a number of businesses in the fields of shipping, planning and construction to discuss and cooperate in developing river tourism services by yacht and survey the location of the yacht anchorage in Can Tho City.
The Department of Industry and Trade of Can Tho City said that with specific terrain in the river, Can Tho City in particular, the Mekong Delta in general is very suitable to develop the type of yacht service. The Industry and Trade sector will actively support businesses in connecting with agencies and units in the city in the project research process, and will report to the City People's Committee leaders on this project for direction.
