With sustainable tourism identified as a key strength, Dong Thap is fostering green initiatives across various attractions. These efforts include adopting renewable energy, reducing plastic waste, and using organic, locally sourced resources for tourism activities.

The province is refining its policies to further support tourism development and investment

Key contributors to these initiatives include the Together We Do tourism group in Sa Dec city, Phuong Nam cultural tourism area in Lap Vo district, Nam Huong eco garden in Tan Hong district, and also Viet Mekong farmstay in Tam Nong district.

According to Ho Ngoc Tram, representative of Viet Mekong Cultural Tourism Co., Ltd., the Viet Mekong farmstay seeks to promote a balanced and spiritually fulfilling lifestyle, closely aligned with global trends in green and sustainable tourism. The project highlights Dong Thap’s agricultural resources and cultural heritage, particularly in the Dong Thap Muoi region.

In recognition of its genuine commitment to sustainability, the project was lauded at the Mekong Initiative Competition 2024 as being “green at its core, from concept to services.”

In 2024, Dong Thap has continued investing in tourism infrastructure, diversifying its offerings, and advancing agricultural tourism. New attractions include Tien Sen Resort in Thanh Binh district and Hoang Son Eco Resort, located in Chau Thanh district.

Additionally, the province has launched unique tour programmes showcasing its local charm, such as “Sa Dec: The Land of Love and Flowers” and the Tram Chim Sunrise and Sunset tours, which have attracted both domestic and international visitors.

Dong Thap’s location along the tourism corridor connecting Ho Chi Minh City to other Mekong Delta provinces, combined with its natural assets, provides immense potential for sustainable tourism. Key attractions include Tram Chim National Park, Sa Dec flower village, and Lai Vung tangerine orchard, offering visitors distinctive and memorable experiences.

Tram Chim National Park, one of the last wetland areas in the Dong Thap Muoi region, is a standout feature in the area. Known for its diverse ecosystem and rare bird species, the park serves as a top ecotourism destination while also playing a vital role in biodiversity conservation and raising awareness about wetland ecosystems.

To bolster its tourism sector, Dong Thap is refining policies by its People’s Council to support investment in tourism development.

According to Huynh Thi Hoai Thu, director of Dong Thap’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the province aims to draw in 4.2 million visitors in 2024, a 4 per cent increase from 2023, including a 5.4-fold rise in international tourists. Tourism revenue is expected to surpass $83 million, forming a cornerstone for the province’s tourism development strategy through 2030.

To meet these goals, Dong Thap is guiding businesses to innovate tourism products, conducting resource surveys, and advancing green, community-based, and agricultural tourism models. A new “Borderlands” tour and agricultural tourism linked to the heritage of Ancient Hoa An Village and the Nguyen Sinh Sac Relic Area are also set for rollout.

The Mekong Delta, rich in ecological and cultural potential, can capitalise on the green tourism trend for sustainable growth, Dong Thap leaders said. To succeed, localities must invest in green infrastructure, develop unique nature-based tourism products, raise awareness of sustainable practices, and foster public-private partnerships to pull in funding.