THE NEW STATUS OF TOURISM
As 2025 draws to a close, while the overall economic landscape remains complex due to market fluctuations, Dong Thap's tourism sector has emerged as a bright spot with its convincing growth.
This is not only the result of hard work, but also a testament to the vibrant spirit of the "Land of Pink Lotus" tourism brand.
According to the summary report, the province welcomed and served more than 7.3 million visitors, an increase of 19.8% compared to the same period last year, reaching 101.5% of the annual plan. A proud highlight is the strong return of international tourists with 766,312 arrivals, a growth of 23.6%.
Total tourism revenue reached 4,158 billion VND, an increase of 21.5%, making a significant contribution to the province's GDP structure and socio-economic development indicators.
In particular, the tourism boom in Dong Thap was most evident during the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026. In just 7 peak days, from the 27th of the 12th lunar month to the 4th day of the 1st lunar month, the entire province welcomed over 422,500 visitors, generating revenue of 170 billion VND.
Accommodation occupancy rates in major cities consistently remain high at 75% - 80%, reflecting a real and sustainable demand from tourists for a safe, friendly, and culturally rich destination.
Dong Thap's breakthrough is the result of a systematic restructuring process aimed at sustainability.
Following the implementation of provincial consolidation policies and the expansion of new development areas, Dong Thap has skillfully transformed its existing potential into highly competitive tourism products.
For Dong Thap, eco-tourism and agricultural tourism in orchards are no longer a temporary solution to "use short-term gains to support long-term growth," but have become a cornerstone strategy.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dong Thap province has 94 travel businesses, including: 54 domestic, 25 international, and 2 transportation companies; 11 branches (5 domestic, 6 international) and 2 representative offices (1 domestic, 1 international). The province has 460 tourist accommodation establishments with more than 7,900 rooms; including 56 hotels rated from 1 to 3 stars and 404 establishments that meet the business requirements as stipulated. |
Green tourism is playing a crucial role as a catalyst, helping farmers generate significantly more added value on the same area of land.
This serves as a solid foundation for extending the agricultural value chain and building sustainable new rural areas. The image of Lai Vung's orchards laden with ripe tangerines, the vibrant Sa Dec flower village, or the community tourism destinations on the lush green islets has become an unforgettable experience for tourists.
There, visitors come not only to admire the scenery, but also to immerse themselves in the simple, tranquil life of the gardeners. They can experience being farmers, pick fruits with their own hands, enjoy lotus tea, and bask in the fresh air of the rivers, fields, and rice paddies.
In the hustle and bustle and pressures of modern urban life, these original values are the most precious "healing remedy" that Dong Thap possesses.
One notable highlight for 2025 is the promotion, marketing, and regional linkage activities. With the mindset of "to go far, we must go together," Dong Thap proactively collaborates closely with Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces to create unique inter-provincial and inter-regional tourism routes.
A series of large-scale cultural events have been successfully organized, creating a great impact, such as: the 6th Dong Hoa Hiep Ancient Village Culture and Tourism Festival with the theme "Memories of the Ancient Village"; the workshop on promoting the value of historical and cultural relics associated with tourism; in-depth Famtrip survey programs...
These events not only attract visitors but also open up opportunities for investment cooperation for major travel businesses.
Furthermore, Dong Thap has demonstrated its keenness in fully utilizing the power of digital technology. The "Exploring Dong Thap" segment on social media and television platforms has created a strong ripple effect, bringing the image of the "Land of Lotus" closer to young people and international tourists.
The implementation of electronic information systems, tourism portals, and the acceleration of digital transformation in management have helped tourists access services, book accommodations, and learn about destinations easily with just a tap.
To date, the province has 150 tourist destinations, of which 32 have been officially recognized by the Provincial People's Committee, and 75 businesses meet service standards.
These figures demonstrate a clear professionalization, gradually shedding its "spontaneous" image to embrace the appearance of a modern service industry.
BUILDING A TOURISM BRAND
To ensure tourist satisfaction, the province places special emphasis on human resource training.
Farmers involved in tourism in Dong Thap now not only possess a warm hospitality but are also equipped with professional service skills, from communication and food presentation to telling stories about local culture.
The government's support for businesses is consistently maintained, ensuring a safe and civilized tourism environment.
Harassment and price gouging have been almost completely eliminated, replaced by an image of Dong Thap as a compassionate and dynamic province.
The province has also assessed and recognized many food and shopping establishments as meeting standards; and has developed new models such as the "Journey to the Land of Pink Lotus to Visit Heritage Sites" tour, creating more options for tourists to stay longer instead of just day trips as before.
Building on the positive achievements of 2025, in 2026, Dong Thap aims to elevate tourism to become a key economic sector, affirming its position as an attractive destination in the Mekong Delta region.
The strategy for the new year will focus on perfecting and launching highly adventurous tours such as: "Colors of the Border Region" and "A Journey Through Three Localities, One Destination".
In particular, the province will focus on developing nighttime tourism products, which are a "gold mine" for retaining tourists and stimulating spending. Live art performances at historical sites such as Rach Gam - Xoai Mut or nighttime experiences at the Royal Mausoleum will be key products this year.
Dong Thap is actively seeking investment to develop accommodation facilities and hotels that meet 4-5 star standards.
This is the missing element that would allow the province to confidently welcome high-level delegations, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourists, and organize international-scale events.
Each OCOP (One Commune One Product) product from the locality will not only be a commodity, but also a cultural ambassador. Tourists visiting Dong Thap will take home souvenirs containing stories about the land and people here, thereby enhancing sustainable income for the local people.
The breakthrough of tourism in Dong Thap in 2025 will not only be measured by revenue figures of thousands of billions of dong or millions of visitors.
The greatest success lies in building trust among tourists in a tourism brand that is ethical, green, and rich in cultural identity.
DUONG UT
Source: https://baodongthap.vn/du-lich-dong-thap-but-pha-a237559.html
![[Photo] General Secretary To Lam presides over a meeting with the Editorial Teams to summarize 100 years of the Party's leadership of the Vietnamese revolution and 40 years of implementing the National Construction Program.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/03/04/1772601288977_a1-bnd-8134-7576-jpg.webp)
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