Delta office to support tourism

Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Sports will set up a Tourism Coordinating Office to support Mekong Delta tourism cooperation and increase tourism to the region.
Vice Minister Ho Anh Tuan told local media that the administration will implement the programme to create specific tourism products for the region.
“Tourism has not been managed professionally in the region. There is a severe shortage of employees and no agencies to coordinate activities.”
Communities in the Mekong Delta need to forge closer links among themselves to develop regional tourism products and services.
Critics suggested that communities should focus on promoting ecotourism in Cham Chim National Park, Lang Sen Wetland Reserve, Ca Mau mangrove swamp and Phu Quoc island district.
In addition, village tourism should be developed in Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long and Hau Giang provinces and CanTho city, while spiritual and cultural tourism should be the focus in An Giang, Soc Trang and Tra Vinh.
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism’s Hotel Department deputy head, Vu Van Thanh, said there was a need to develop homestay tourism, but communities would need to take the lead.
In 2013, the region welcomed 1.5 million international tourists.

Sourced: ttrweekly