The southernmost province of Ca Mau hopes to receive 970,000 tourists in 2015, including 21,000 international visitors, generating 280 billion VND (13 million USD).
In order to achieve the target, the province aims to establish connections with nearby localities to develop eco-tourism potential in the region, including the Dat Mui commune, Hon Da Bac, and national parks in U Minh Ha.
The province has worked with Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho City and the provinces of Bac Lieu and Kien Giang to attract more visitors, said Duong Huynh Khai, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
The department has submitted to the provincial People’s Committee for approval a 700 billion VND (33 million USD) project on tourism development until 2020.
Ca Mau has also focused on improving the quality and safety of its services, holding promotion events, building staff capacity, and encouraging community-based tourism.
Ca Mau boasts numerous attractive eco-tourism sites, including Hon Khoai Island , a cluster of five islets in Ngoc Hien district covered in undisturbed primeval forests and listed as one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the country in the Viet Nam Book of Records.
Other leading tourism sites in the region include the Dat Mui commune in Ngoc Hien district, Hon Da Bac site in Tran Van Thoi district, the Ca Mau Cape which is the southernmost point of Vietnam and Vo Doi national parks in U Minh Ha area and wild bird gardens.
In 2014, the province welcomed 920,000 tourists, earning 230 billion VND (10.5 million USD), up 9.57 percent from 2013.