Mekong Delta tourism rises

Mekong Delta Tourism Association says the region attracted nearly 11 million visitors and earned US$123.4 million in tourism-related revenue during January to May this year.
The association vice chairman, Chau Binh Khung, told local media that during the first five months of this year, tourist arrivals increased 9%, while revenue improved 27% over the same period, last year.
Of the 11 million arrivals, over 803,000 were foreigners, a rise of 15.5% over last year, he said.
“Tien Giang province enjoyed the highest growth of foreign arrivals with more than 264,000, followed by Ca Mau, Bac Lieu and Long An, while Kien Giang province posted the highest tourism revenue with US$31.1 million.”
The increase in both tourists and income was attributed to successful events in the localities close to the Mekong Delta, such as the traditional cake festival in Can Tho City, the cultural year festival in Ha Tien, and the national music festival in Bac Lieu.
The Mekong Delta is in southwest Vietnam where the Mekong River empties into the South China Sea through a network of distributaries.
The region includes 13 provinces or municipalities: Can Tho; An Giang; Bac Lieu; Ben Tre; Ca Mau; Dong Thap; Hau Giang; kien Giang; Long An; Soc Trang; Tien Giang; Tra Vinh; and Vinh Long.
Last year, all 13 provinces and city of the Mekong Delta welcomed 21 million tourists and earned a total turnover of US$248.7 million.

Sourced: ttrweekly