Addressing the event, Tran Viet Phuong, chairman of the Mekong Delta Tourism Association, emphasised that the region which is located in the lower Mekong River and home to various ethnic groups, boasts great potential for developing river, ecological, island, and resort tourism while also providing tourists with opportunities to explore its unique cultural heritage values. 

Phuong stressed that China is one of Vietnam’s key international tourism markets in Asia in general and East Asia in particular, including the Mekong Delta region.

Last year witnessed the number of Chinese tourists to Vietnam reach more than 3.7 million, accounting for 21.26% of total foreign arrivals to the country.

The region identifies China as one of its top priority tourism markets in its marketing strategies, he affirmed.

Sharing this perspective, a representative of Beijing Cosmos Travel International Co., Ltd. (BCTI) pointed out that the event offers a valuable opportunity for both sides to fully tap into the potential that exists for bilateral tourism cooperation.

He stressed that Vietnam has always been a favourite destination for Chinese tourists thanks to its beautiful natural landscapes and proximity in terms of culture, cuisine, and history.

In particular, the Mekong Delta region possesses unique cultural identities with a diverse range of cultural heritages from the Kinh, Hoa, Khmer, Cham ethnic groups, providing visitors with unique river experiences and cuisine.

The BCTI representative revealed that Chinese tourists are keen to explore local life through visiting floating markets, fruit gardens, and eco-tourism areas, as well as joining traditional festivals.

He also proposed organising tours to gain greater insights into local culture by visiting craft villages, picking fruit, or rowing boats along the river, as well as providing Chinese-speaking tour guides and facilitating various payment methods through apps such as Wechat Pay and Alipay to attract more Chinese tourists to the region.

At the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism development was signed by representatives of tourism enterprises from Vietnam and China.

Mekong Delta has 10 more typical tourist destinations

Ten more places in the Mekong Delta have been recognised as typical tourist destinations of the region in 2023.