Flower are sold on boats at Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho

It plans to accelerate the implementation of tourism-oriented projects including the construction of high-end hotels and restaurants in the Khuong and Cai Khe hillocks in Ninh Kieu district, especially the eco-tourist resort Con Au.

An additional six tourist agencies have been allowed to operate their branches in the city to serve international visitors, including Transmekong, Saigontourst, Viettravel, Fidi, TST and Vietcircle.

Additionally, Can Tho will also devise measures to preserve and upgrade local cultural and historic sites, such as the Bui Huu Nghia relic site, Binh Thuy ancient village, Vuon Man ( Plum Garden ) revolutionary base, and Long Quang pagoda to uphold and promote their traditional values.

The city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will boost community-based tourism services in Vam Sang, Muoi Cuong, Ms. Thom and Vu Binh sites through close coordination with local farmers.

It will foster promotion activities in the Mekong Delta, the northern and central regions, and An Giang and Kien Giang provinces to establish a tourism triangle and tap the potential of their natural conditions.

During the first two months this year, Can Tho has welcomed nearly 210,000 tourists including 41,000 foreigners, equivalent to 15.9 percent of its target.

In 2015, it expects to draw 1.37 million tourists, including 258,000 international visitors, generating 1.25 trillion VND (58.5 billion USD) in revenues, a 6.7 percent increase from last year.