Ho Chi Minh City prepares to welcome international cruise ships to Cai Mep - Thi Vai port

(NLDO)- Ho Chi Minh City will pilot the reception of international cruise ships at Cai Mep - Thi Vai port until June 2026, opening up a direction for the city's sea tourism development.

On the afternoon of October 23, the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the City Party Committee and the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City held a press conference to provide information on socio- economic issues in the area.

At the press conference, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, Head of the Department of Tourism Resource Development Planning - Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, informed about the pilot program to welcome international passenger ships at Cai Mep - Thi Vai port area until June 2026.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, Head of the Department of Tourism Resource Development Planning - Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, informed at the press conference on the afternoon of October 23; Photo: NGUYEN PHAN

From now until June 2026, the Department of Tourism will continue to coordinate with the Port Management Board in this area to complete the application for a pilot plan to welcome international delegations.

Ms. Thao said that initially this area was formed as a cargo port, not to serve passengers. To serve passengers, the infrastructure and human resources at the port must be prepared, especially with the increasing trend of cruise tourists, it is necessary to have time to prepare carefully to meet the demand.

The Department of Tourism will coordinate with travel agencies, related companies, port clusters, etc. to prepare the necessary conditions to better receive international passenger ships. At the same time, consider the option of adding more functions, not just a pilot.

Notably, implementing the direction of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the Department of Construction has coordinated with departments and branches to advise on priority investment projects for waterway transport and the formation of passenger ports.

In the period of 2026 - 2030, it is expected to invest in 3 international passenger port projects located in the old Vung Tau area and Khanh Hoi area, Ho Chi Minh City to meet the demand for cruise tourism.

Previously, according to authorities, Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster was identified as a general port area for containers, liquid/gas and bulk cargo, and had not been planned as a specialized port area for receiving international passenger ships.

If the port wants to receive passengers, it must complete procedures to supplement the certificate of declaration of seaport operations according to current regulations.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/tp-hcm-chuan-bi-don-tau-du-lich-quoc-te-cap-cang-cai-mep-thi-vai-196251023171634188.htm