Southern specialties are introduced within the programme (Photo: VNA)
Can Tho (VNA) - A programme to boost tourismin HCM City and the Mekong Delta kicked off in Can Tho city on July 3.
It aims to promote the tourism potential of thesouthern economic hub and the Delta’s 13 cities and provinces, while improvinginter-regional tourism development.
It will also look to rejuvenate the domestic tourism sectorpost-pandemic and prepare to resume international activities when thegovernment permits.
HCM City and the Mekong Delta signed a tourismdevelopment cooperation agreement last December.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s CommitteeDuong Tan Hien said the Mekong Delta is home to a diverse ecosystem. Touristscan, for example, visit fruit orchards in Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, DongThap, and Can Tho, while those to Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau will have theopportunity to experience seas and islands.
Tourists to An Giang, Soc Trang and Tra Vinh, he said,can learn about historical relic sites and enjoy local food specialties.
While the Mekong Delta possesses advantagesin ecotourism products, HCM City is strong in MICE (meetings, incentives,conferences and exhibitions) - a form of tourism in which large groups, usuallyplanned well in advance, are brought together.
Links between HCM City and MekongDelta localities have helped the two sides expand tourism markets, according toHien.
In the context of being unable toopen up to international tourists due to COVID-19, increasing the number ofVietnamese tourists is the only solution to promote the industry, he added.
The number of tourists to the Mekong Delta in 2019was estimated at 47 million, and the tourism sector grossed 30 trillion VND(1.28 billion USD) in revenue./.
The Southern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Center has announced that river tides in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta region reached flood warning level 3 on September 30 and October 1.
Land subsidence in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta has ranged from 0.1 to 81 centimetres in the last 10 years, according to the Water Resources Management Department at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The waterway links between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta region through river and canal networks, which are proved to be more advantageous to trade than their road counterparts, have not been fully utilised.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
Southern specialties are introduced within the programme (Photo: VNA) 
