Can Tho Steps Up Tourism Cooperation with Korean Partners

Can Tho City in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam has taken a significant step towards deepening tourism cooperation with South Korea. During a meeting held on July 2, a delegation from South Korea expressed its intention to further enhance collaboration with Can Tho City in cultural exchanges, high-quality human resource development, and the implementation of existing joint projects. South Korea is one of Can Tho's important foreign investors, with 298 projects worth over $2.36 billion USD invested in the city. This strengthened cooperation is expected to further solidify economic ties between the two regions. Vietnam's tourism industry is currently undergoing a transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements and growing concerns over climate change. Tourists are increasingly seeking seamless digital experiences and environmentally responsible destinations. In response, the Vietnamese government has identified digital transformation and green transition as key strategic pillars for the sustainable development of the tourism industry. Domestic tourism development is also progressing. For instance, Ninh Binh province welcomed an estimated 18.7 million visitors from January to July this year, a 23.34% increase year-on-year. Phu Quoc Island is also establishing itself as an attractive year-round destination, having been named among the "10 Best Islands to Visit in 2026." Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA), advocates for strengthening regional cooperation by developing integrated tourism routes linking major cities and neighboring localities such as Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Ninh Binh. This initiative aims to create complementary tourism products rather than isolated competition. The enhanced cooperation with South Korea in Vietnam's tourism sector can be seen as part of the country's economic growth strategy under its one-party system, aiming to diversify and improve tourism resources through international partnerships. In particular, South Korean investment is likely to contribute to infrastructure development and the creation of new tourism content.