Tra Su Cajuput Forest - Mekong Delta Attractions. (Photo: Chien Khu)

Showcasing the cultural essence conveyed through each item made under the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programme for tourists is adding diversity to tourism activities in the Mekong Delta, while stepping up new rural development and improving people's income in the region.

With the starring of OCOP products, localities have made initial positive efforts in developing tourism associated with them. They are attracting visitors by combining the development of various types of tourism such as cultural, rural agricultural, ecological and shopping tourism.

According to a report from the Central Coordination Office for New Rural Development, the OCOP programme has been widely carried out in all 63 cities and provinces with six main product groups, including food and beverages, apparel, souvenirs, décor and furniture, herbs, hospitality services, and community tourism and tourist destinations. Currently, there are over 8,800 OCOP products nationwide.

In the Mekong Delta - a region known for its large-scale production of fruits, rice, and aquaculture in the country, numerous OCOP products have been recognised and supplied to both domestic and foreign markets. These products drive the formation of many tourism and service offerings that are unique and distinctive.

The country currently has over 60 OCOP products belonging to the category of community tourism services and tourist attractions. Many regions, including the Mekong Delta, have taken their advantages in terms of natural conditions, agricultural production, culture, and traditional craft villages to develop unique tourist destinations as OCOP products.

The southernmost province of Ca Mau is aiming to elevate its destination in the form of community-based tourism development in Dat Mui commune of Ngoc Hien district. It is building the Dat Mui cultural tourism village as a prominent OCOP product achieving a 4 to 5-star rating in the near future.

It will be a place where many households engage in ecotourism activities and showcase the authentic and vibrant livelihoods of the local people, including farming activities, exploitation of aquatic products, and preservation of the mangrove ecosystem, as well as cultural aspects such as culinary traditions, customs, and practices.

Vice Chairman of the Dat Mu People’s Committee Lam Quoc Trach said the commune is gradually improving traditional craft chains and establishing craft villages, such as those specialising in making dried fish, dried shrimp and fish sauce.

These craft villages promote tourism as they allow visitors to witness and immerse themselves in the authentic and vibrant labor-intensive production activities.