Representatives of 27 international travel firms from 15 countries and those of the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority paid a familiarization visit to Ben Tre Province, located in southern Vietnam, last weekend to experience tourism products there.

These travel agents came from such countries as Russia, Poland, Austria, India, Romania, and Italy, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

The trip, which was part of their visit to Vietnam to attend the 17th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2023), held between September 7 and 9, enabled the Mekong Delta province to promote its tourism and services to international travel businesses.

The trip also offered a chance for these travel agencies to connect with local tourism service providers.

The delegation experienced lots of activities during their two-day stay, including taking a boat tour; visiting coconut candy, mat weaving, and ornamental plant craft villages; and enjoying traditional music performances; among others.

The provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism hosted a gala dinner to welcome the delegation as well as briefed them on a wide range of local travel products and services.

Located in the downstream Mekong River and some 80 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre has the advantage of its river network to develop eco- and waterway tourism, said Nguyen Thi Be Muoi, vice-chairwoman of the provincial People’s Council.

The province seeks to introduce its tourism products, services, and traditional culture to more visitors; facilitate tourism growth by making the best use of local resources; establish collaboration with international travel firms as well as media agencies to promote trade and investment; and expand its tourism market size.

With the aim of achieving green and sustainable development, the province has made efforts to further upgrade its infrastructure system and develop its tourism brand associated with coconuts, a staple plant in this Mekong Delta locality.

In January-August, Ben Tre welcomed over 1.4 million tourist arrivals, including nearly 249,000 international visitors, and booked an estimated VND1.789 trillion (US$74.7 million) in revenue.

As for the recent four-day public holiday to celebrate Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), over 44,000 tourists visited Ben Tre, enabling it to earn upwards of VND48 billion ($2 million) in turnover.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!