Mekong Delta region needs $7 billion for tourism development

Among the total, 33 projects are in real estate and tourism, with a total investment of nearly VND7.8 trillion, along with 45 other projects related to industry, agriculture, processing and logistics infrastructure development with a total capital of VND150 trillion.
The figures were introduced at the 5th Annual Mekong Delta Investment Forum (MekongInvest) 2017 held in Can Tho on October 25 with the participation of centers for trade, investment and tourism promotion of 13 Mekong Delta provinces.

The Mekong Delta provinces should focus on cruise tourists thanks to its abundant rivers and canals with lovely sceneries, beautiful rural landscapes, nice weather, and great hospitality.

Addressing the forum, with the theme “Calling for infrastructure investment – the Mekong Delta’s tourism development platform,” Vo Hung Dung, Director of Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Can Tho branch, said that according to the Mekong Delta tourism development plan approved by the Government, by 2020 the delta is set to receive 34 million visitors with a revenue of VND25 trillion; by 2030, the figures are estimated to stand at 52 million visitors and VND111 trillion in revenue. By 2020, the whole region will have 53,000 rooms and 100,000 rooms by 2030, of which those reaching the 3-5 star standard account for 30 percent. However, currently the Mekong Delta has only around 60 hotels at 3-5 stars with over 8,000 rooms, mainly in Phu Quoc Island and Can Tho.
Therefore, he said, compared with the above planning, accommodation is seriously lacking, as there are only two major entertainment areas, Vinpearl Phu Quoc and Bac Lieu’s Nha Mat Resort, and only one stop at Tien Giang’s Mekong Reststop. The region also lacks a large culinary integrated entertainment center and large shopping areas to attract tourists. This shows that local tourism development has not been on a par with its potential.
Echoing Dung, Pham The Trieu, vice chairman of the Mekong Delta Tourism Association, said: “With the current shortage of recreational and lodging facilities, tourism in the delta seems primitive: full of potential and awaiting pioneering investors.”
Truong Quang Hoai Nam, vice chairman of the Can Tho People’s Committee, said tourism in the delta suffers from a lack of diversity.
“There is not much difference between provinces in the delta. If we talk about tourism development in the Mekong Delta, we must talk about waterway tourism. However, waterway tourism has not developed to its potential,” he said.
Besides, he said that the region will develop more if there are air links with more destinations. He explained while the region does have an airport in Can Tho, it is linked only with a handful of destinations like Ha Noi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc and Con Dao.
Admitting the delta has great potential with its abundant rivers and canals with lovely sceneries, beautiful rural landscapes, nice weather, and great hospitality, Phan Dinh Hue, director of Vietcircle Travel, suggested that the delta should focus on cruise tourists: “Supply is insufficient and tour prices are very high. Retired Japanese are still a promising market which has not been exploited yet.”
The Mekong Delta last year received 28 million tourists including 2.5 million foreigners, 8.5 million of whom stayed overnight including 900,000 foreign visitors, and earned revenues of VND15 trillion.