The Mekong Delta welcomed 2.2 million tourists and earned over 508billion VND (24.2 million USD) in the first month of 2015 according tothe provincial Tourism Association.

The region expects to see25.4 million tourists this year, 2.7 million of which will be foreignvisitors, an 11.3 percent increase from 2014.

To reach theirtarget, regional provinces have collaborated to establish tourismpromotion centres, diversify products, and improve service quality.Private businesses have also been encouraged to invest in tourisminfrastructure initiatives.

Local high-quality specialtiesshould be strengthened, including fruit, traditional confectionaryproducts, palm sugar, and fish sauce.

The sector should alsofocus on enhancing labour training and expanding traditional ethnicfestivals of the Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese, as well as opening additionalhigh-quality tours and tourism complexes.

Notably, the Mekong Delta will develop a tourism chain combining waterway tourism, eco-tourism, and trade villages.

Inaddition, provinces will intensify cooperation with other countries inthe Mekong River Sub region to expand its popularity in the SoutheastAsian market as well as maintaining Northeast Asian, Western European,and North American markets.

Looking forward, the SteeringCommittee for the Southwest Region has collaborated with the VietnamNational Administration of Tourism and the People’s Committee of Can Thoto organise an international tourism festival from April 26 - May 2,2015.

The event is expected to attract representatives fromtourism sectors nationwide and internationally, including Thailand,Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.-VNA