Floating markets and riverine culture are distinctive tourism resources of Can Tho. In the photo: International tourists visiting Cai Rang floating market. Photo: KIEU MAI
We need standardized, professional products that reflect local identity.
Assessing the tourism potential of Can Tho , Ms. Cao Thi Ngoc Lan, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Tourism Association, stated: “Can Tho has a blend of three cultures – Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer – combined with a system of typical and unique heritage sites, such as Southern Vietnamese folk music (Don Ca Tai Tu), which is recognized by UNESCO. Can Tho currently possesses abundant tourism resources, a relatively complete tourism infrastructure, and plays a central role in tourism in the Mekong Delta region. This diversity of natural and cultural resources creates a great resource for Can Tho to develop tourism in a sustainable, in-depth, and distinctive manner. Therefore, Can Tho should develop distinctive products in depth, using the river-culture-spirituality axis as a foundation, linked to local identity. On this basis, it should improve the quality of services and human resources, aiming towards standardizing tourism activities and destinations.”
Agreeing with the above viewpoint, Mr. Tran Manh Khang, Director of Nhu Y Travel, suggested: “We should re-evaluate the products and simultaneously develop a 3-day, 2-night tour itinerary to showcase the unique characteristics of the locality, increasing the visitor experience and extending their stay. In addition, Can Tho should also exploit products from its system of islets and sandbanks, alongside river-based products and services related to the night-time economy .”
Mr. Tran Manh Khang shared that his company is currently effectively developing the "A Day as a Merchant" product, based on the unique cultural characteristics of the floating market, combining experiences along the canals that connect to the floating market. In particular, the journey respects local cultural values and green values by incorporating the use of green, environmentally friendly products and experiences. Can Tho has the potential to develop many green tourism products because the locality has many businesses, establishments, and destinations that are focusing on environmental protection and sustainable development.
Enhance the role of connection and linkage.
Ms. Le Thi Be Bay, tourism advisor of the Son Island Agricultural Tourism Cooperative, said: “At Son Island, we develop tourism using what we already have. From farmers who only knew how to garden and raise fish, we have transformed our model to combine gardening and tourism. As a result, we have gained income from both gardening and tourism, while also contributing to promoting and building the brand of Son Island tourism in Can Tho. What makes us successful is the solidarity of the community because everyone works together to build a common chain of products and services for the cooperative, where we respect local values and sustainability. I believe that with the abundant resources from Soc Trang and Hau Giang (formerly), we can absolutely have more effective community tourism models because the farmers here already have a clear direction for connecting and developing tourism.”
Accordingly, the Con Son Agricultural Tourism Cooperative has connected with the Women Entrepreneurs Club in tourism on Cu Lao Dung island, the Nga Nam Community Tourism Cooperative, the Cau Duc Community Tourism Village, etc., to gradually create product and service chains that promote the distinctive cultural values of each region.
Mr. Vu Chan Hung, Chairman of the Can Tho Tourism Association, stated: “Connectivity and linkages play a crucial role in the development of tourism in Can Tho. Therefore, the association aims to strengthen connections between travel agencies, accommodation providers, transportation companies, and destinations to form a sustainable value chain. At the same time, Can Tho will strengthen connections with Ho Chi Minh City, the Central and Northern regions, aiming to form systematic inter-regional tourism routes.”
Based on this foundation, Can Tho's tourism industry also focuses on developing key product lines: floating markets - riverine culture, experiential agricultural tourism, Southern Vietnamese cuisine, traditional craft villages, spiritual tourism, Khmer culture, community-based ecotourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Emphasis is placed on enhancing in-depth experiences and extending the length of stay for tourists.
Ms. Cao Thi Ngoc Lan, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said: “Can Tho needs to leverage its role as the center of the Mekong Delta region, creating a ripple effect and connecting tourism with provinces and cities nationwide, effectively developing tourism types associated with the distinctive culture of the Southwest region. The city's tourism industry should focus on building new distinctive tourism products based on tourism resources after consolidation, including perfecting the system of green destinations and local cuisine. At the same time, it should strengthen linkages not just through agreements but by forming comprehensive inter-provincial routes and tours, effectively exploiting the Mekong tourism value chain. Simultaneously, Can Tho should identify key international markets, focus on promotion, advertising, and exploitation to increase the percentage of international tourists visiting the city, striving to gradually make Can Tho a regional tourism center worthy of its status.”
Can Tho's tourism industry has identified the development of green and sustainable tourism, linked to the preservation and promotion of local cultural values, the formation of a smart tourism ecosystem, and the building of a friendly, civilized, and professional image for Can Tho tourism. Therefore, tourism products need to be standardized and their competitiveness enhanced. In this regard, linkages are key to creating connections and driving change. With the concerted efforts of the business community, the cooperation and support from relevant agencies and all levels of government, Can Tho tourism will achieve a new level of success.
AI LAM
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/xay-dung-dien-mao-moi-cho-du-lich-can-tho-a201170.html
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