Exploiting the potential of river tourism still faces many challenges.

In the past, when tourists came to Ha Tinh, they could take part in an experiential journey on the Phu River by Nguyen Ngoc cruise, watching the scenery on both banks, listening to Vi Giam folk songs, and immersing themselves in the peaceful river space. However, those moments now only remain in memory because the boat dock has stopped operating.

Nguyen Ngoc yacht when it was still in operation. Photo courtesy

Also aiming to exploit the advantages of the river, Binh My - Nghen River Eco-tourism Area in Can Loc commune was expected to become a tourist highlight of Ha Tinh, but over the past 10 years, the project has not been effective, creating a desolate scene. Ms. Tran Thi Le, a resident living along Nghen River in Can Loc commune, regretted: "When there were tourist activities, there were a lot of visitors coming in and out here, then gradually less and then suddenly it was quiet...".

Binh My - Song Nghen eco-tourism area in Can Loc commune has been abandoned.

With more than 30 large and small rivers, there are advantages to promote the strength of river tourism, however, river tourism in Ha Tinh is still spontaneous. Many beautiful river sections have not been invested in synchronously and systematically, some places are polluted, lack of parking, and have not formed typical tourism products...

Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Tram - specialist of the Department of Culture and Society (People's Committee of Can Loc Commune) said: "The Nghen River has many advantages to develop river tourism. However, in the past, this area has not promoted its value and advantages. To develop river tourism, there needs to be a destination and a departure point in a specific tourist itinerary, but the locality has not yet formed such a tour route."

In addition, difficulties in planning, an important legal corridor has not been implemented, leading to hesitation in investment by businesses and people, causing many riverside tourism economic models to remain small-scale and spontaneous... That poses an urgent need for synchronous participation of all levels and sectors so that Ha Tinh river tourism can develop long-term and effectively.

Mr. Le Anh Tuan - Director of Tuan Phu Quy TC Tourism and Service Company Limited (Thien Cam commune) expressed: "I think that developing river tourism is the "hottest" now. If you want to invest, you must have depth and have the consensus and direction of the local government. If there is an opportunity, we will also be ready to do river tourism...".

Mr. Le Anh Tuan - Director of Tuan Phu Quy TC Tourism and Service Company Limited shared with PV.

Currently, in many riverside areas, people mainly earn their living by farming and fishing, and are not yet closely connected with tourism activities. To exploit river resources, a systematic strategy is needed, harmoniously combining community tourism development with the exploitation and preservation of indigenous cultures. Only then can a promising direction be opened, both creating sustainable livelihoods for people and contributing to promoting the image of the homeland.

Mr. Hoang Dinh Nhiem - Head of Village 9, Can Loc Commune said, developing Nghen River tourism is a potential that the locality really wants, it is also the aspiration of the people, especially associated with eco-tourism".

According to Ms. Vo Thi Thu Hien - Head of Tourism Management Department (Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism), investment in this tourism product needs to be long-term and have contributions from many levels and sectors. If in the coming time, we give the right direction for this tourism product, Ha Tinh will have its own unique and outstanding features.

Associated with rivers are the life, culture and soul of the people. Awakening the potential of the rivers is awakening a huge resource, contributing to the sustainable development of Ha Tinh tourism in the future.