Brian Jeffrey
Seminar on River Tourism Held
A recent seminar, “Giong buom” (Setting Sail), took place after the competition winners were announced.
Key Speakers
The event featured four prominent speakers: Tran Viet Anh, president of Binh Dinh F1 JSC; Dang Bao Hieu, president of Focus Travel and Ana Marina Nha Trang; Po Tran, chair of East Saigon under the Joint Commission International (JCI); and Hoang Tu Giang from VietNamNet.
Market Insights
Hieu emphasized that Vietnam has significant untapped potential in river tourism, highlighting missed opportunities for economic benefit.
Po Tran noted that his company’s river tourism products, which mostly draw from the Mekong River, attract between 500-800 international visitors. However, he pointed out issues like waste at tourist sites and a lack of unique experiences for visitors.
Challenges in Cooperation
Tran Viet Anh remarked on the lack of collaboration among local businesses, stating that competitive pricing strategies hinder cooperation and development in river tourism.
Giang mentioned that despite Vietnam’s rich water resources, the country’s GDP generated per cubic meter is significantly lower compared to other nations. This indicates an underutilization of these natural resources and a need for sustainable development practices.
Key to Sustainable Development
Giang stressed the importance of effective planning and regulations to support businesses in utilizing river resources sustainably.
According to Hieu, sustainable river tourism development relies on five key participants: the government, entrepreneurs, investors, local authorities, and media outlets, all working in harmony.
Future Directions
Po Tran highlighted the need for tourism companies to find strong leadership to guide river tourism effectively.
Duong Duc Minh from the HCM City Institute for Tourism Economic Development Research discussed ongoing research focused on the challenges faced by riverside communities and emphasized the potential for bridging these communities with tourism opportunities.
The research findings have led to the initiation of a community tourism model in Thieng Lieng, achieving positive outcomes.
Investment in River Landscapes
Luong Hoai Nam, a member of the Tourism Advisory Board, encouraged local governments to invest in enhancing the landscapes along riverbanks to boost tourism offerings and stimulate local economies.
