Mekong delta tourism flourishes

2016 marked a breakthrough for Vietnam's tourism sector. Just earlier this month, Vietnam welcomed its 10 millionth foreign visitor, marking the first time Vietnam has received 10 million foreign tourists in a year.

The Mekong Delta this year experienced a 20% increase in tourist arrivals and revenue compared to the same period in 2015. In particular, Kien Giang Province, a destination of National Tourism Year 2016, welcomed around 5.4 million visitors, including nearly 320 thousand international tourists, an increase of 31% over last year.

Tourists in Phu Quoc Island

Ngo Ky Ngo, Deputy Director, Hoa Giang Tourism JSC., Kien Giang Prov. said: “The number of guests staying with us is much higher than usual. This is thanks to our efforts to promote our company through various conferences and events over the past year.”

Many new tours linking tourism hotspots like Lao Cai, Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Lam Dong and HCMC have been developed to diversify its products to cater to customers' demand.

Mai Van Huynh, Chairman, Kien Giang Province People's Committee said: I think it is important for the government to organize tourism year destinations in different locations throughout Vietnam. This way we can create links between different regions. We can understand the strengths and weaknesses of other regions so we can better develop tourism products to enhance our strengths and avoid repetition for customers.

Through the hosting of the National Tourism Year 2016, Kien Giang Province increased its popularity among the public as a great destination for tourists who want to experience historical, cultural, ecological, and marine tourism in Vietnam.