Can Tho focuses foodie tourism

Vietnam’s Can Tho’s Department of Culture and Tourism says a southern food market will open soon in Can Tho City to promote the country’s Mekong Delta culinary specialties.

Local media quoted the provincial People’s Committee deputy chairman, Le Van Tam, saying the market, which will promote Mekong Delta specialties, will attract more international tourists in the long-term.

The city aims to open the ‘Southern Food Flea Market’ every Saturday and Sunday at several tourism destinations, including Ninh Kieu Wharf and Nha Long Cho Co, among others.

The reference to ‘flea’ in the foom market’s English name could be ambiguous. Flea market comes from the French marché aux puces, a name originally given to a market in Paris, which specialised in shabby second-hand goods of the kind that might contain fleas.

“Food hygiene inspections at stalls will conduct regular checks to ensure vendors have a food safety hygiene certificate and can run their business in a safe and acceptable manner.”

For the first quarter of this year, the city welcomed more than 1.86 million visitors, an increase of 10% over the same period last year. Nearly 500,000 visitors stayed overnight, including more than 75,000 foreigners.

The city is home to 43 tourism companies and 244 hotels and other stay options.

Last year, the number of visitors to Can Tho City grew 14% year-on-year to reach 5.3 million, including over 590,000 foreign visitors. Total tourism revenue reached USD80.3 million, up 5% over 2015.

Located in the centre of the Mekong River delta, Can Tho is rich in natural resources and has been identified as a potential ecotourism destination.

The Mekong Delta region includes Can Tho City and 12 provinces – An Giang, Ben Tre, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Dong Thap, HauGiang, KienGiang, SocTrang, Long An, Tien Giang, TraVinh, and Vinh Long – with an area of 40,576.6 sq km.

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