The century-old Sa Đéc flower village is one of major tourist spots in Đồng Tháp Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

ĐỒNG THÁP — The Cửu Long (Mekong Delta) province of Đồng Tháp has managed to achieve robust growth in agricultural tourism by utilising farming landscapes, local cuisines, handicrafts, and fruits to elevate tourists’ experience.

The province is richly endowed in all these aspects.

There are 72 agri-tourism spots that allow visitors to get first-hand experience of farm work and traditional crafts and taste fresh fruits and other agricultural produce as well as local cuisine specialities, according to the provincial Department of Cultural, Sports and Tourism.

Known as the floral kingdom of the Mekong Delta, the century-old Sa Đéc flower village is a major tourism spot that attracts millions of visitors a year.

It grows around 2,000 varieties of flowers and ornamental trees.

The first Sa Đéc Flower- Ornamental Festival held from December 30 to January 5 showcased them and promoted local agricultural products and agri-tourism.

During the festival the province unveiled four new experience tours, highlighting cultivation of flowers and ornamental trees, craft villages and cultural heritages in Sa Đéc and Cao Lãnh cities and Lai Vung, Lấp Vò, Cao Lãnh, and Tháp Mười districts, Huỳnh Thị Hoài Thu, the director of the department, said.

It has utilised its agricultural and cultural heritages, developed craft villages and promoted OCOP (One Commune One Product) agricultural products to boost tourism, she said.

It has 357 OCOP products rated three-to-four stars and one rated five, the programme’s highest level.

Phan Bửu Toàn, vice rector of the Sài Gòn Tourism College, said the combination of OCOP agricultural products and tourism is vital for developing rural economies and new-style rural areas, preserving cultural heritages and protecting the environment.

The province has utilised OCOP agricultural products to develop tourism and enhance the tourist experience, he added.

Senior programme manager for tourism and hospitality management at RMIT, Dr Jackie Ong, said agricultural tourism can be a catalyst for overall rural development.

Centred around agriculture, farmers and rural landscapes, it can provide a comprehensive and immersive experience that is entertaining and educational, she pointed out.

While statistics are limited, anecdotal evidence indicates growing participation in agri-tourism, which brings incomes to people and economic development.

It can also play a pivotal role in cultural preservation.

With educational elements infused into agri-tourism experiences, visitors gain a deeper understanding of local traditions and cultures, and the importance of sustainable practices.

The province received around four million tourists in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 13 per cent.

Its tourism revenues were estimated at VNĐ1.9 trillion (US$78.3 million). —VNS

Visitors at an agri-tourism spot in Đồng Tháp Province. There are 72 such spots that allow tourists to get first-hand experience of farming work and traditional crafts, taste fresh fruits and other agricultural produce as well as local foods. — VNA/VNS Photo