Foreign tourists to Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho (Photo: VNA)Can Tho (VNA) – A UNESCO representativerecommended the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho apply the national strategy forcommunity-based tourism development during a working session with the municipalPeople’s Committee on December 14.
Vice Chairwoman of the committee Vo Thi Hong Anhsaid as a driving force for the Mekong Delta, Can Tho has witnessed rapidurbanisation over the last decade, which has affected its cultural identity andnatural landscapes – major tourist attractions in this city.
Can Tho has worked to establish itself as anecological – cultural – tourism city. It wants to combine urbanisation witheco-tourism to ensure sustainable tourism, she said, adding that it also preservesarchitectural and artistic relics and intangible cultural heritage.
However, Can Tho faces many difficulties intourism due to modest funds, manpower quality and experience. It is looking tobalance economic development and environmental protection with an aim to becomethe first eco-city in the Mekong Delta, Anh noted.
Pham Thi Thanh Huong from UNESCO Vietnam’scultural research division said a UNESCO survey shows that most visitors to thecountry do not look for modern tourism services, but want to explore Vietnam’sunique cultural identities and local customs.
Can Tho is on the right path by focusing oneco-tourism and helping tourists experience local culture. But lax coordinationamong local authorities, residents and travel agencies has limited tourismactivities’ effectiveness, she said.
She advised the city to apply the nationalstrategy for community-based tourism development, which is designed by UNESCOand the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The model focuses on training and assistinglocal residents and businesses to improve service quality. Families strong atmaking handicrafts, farming special plant varieties and animal breeds, orcooking traditional dishes will also be supported with communication andfinancial management skills and knowledge about optimising tourism products,she added.
UNESCO Vietnam will work with the Can Thoadministration to orient the city’s development towards green industry, cleanagriculture and eco-tourism, Huong said, hoping that Can Tho will soon becomethe first eco-city in the Mekong Delta.-VNA
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