The seminar, themed 'Positioning the Cà Mau tourism brand in the overall national tourism,' discussed strategies for the tourism development of Cà Mau Province on September 28. — VNS Photo

CÀ MAU —  With the government, businesses, and local communities working together, the southernmost province of Cà Mau can become a green tourism hub, helping to enrich Việt Nam's tourism industry worldwide, experts said at a seminar in Bạc Liêu Ward.

The seminar about Cà Mau's tourism development was organised by the provincial People's Committee in collaboration with the Việt Nam Tourism Association on September 28.

With the participation of 150 businesses, tourism associations and experts, it aimed to help reposition the province's tourism brand through digital and green transformation for sustainable growth.

It is also part of a series of province's tourism events in response to World Tourism Day 2025, themed 'Cà Mau – The southernmost point of the country, where nature and peace converge'.

Ngô Vũ Thăng, deputy chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said that the merger of the formerly Bạc Liêu Province with Cà Mau has created a wider space for economic and tourism development.

The newly expanded Cà Mau Province has potentials for developing diverse types of tourism, including ecotourism, cultural tourism, and spiritual tourism.

Its features a vast cajeput forest and coastal mangrove forests that are recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.

These link with famous destinations like the Mũi Cà Mau National Tourist Area and U Minh Hạ National Park, as well as Việt Nam's southernmost boundary marker in Cape Cà Mau.

In addition, the location of tourist sites is quite favorable for tourism development.

Cà Mau Province is also known as a land of distinctive culture and spirituality, being one of the major cradles of Southern folk music (Đờn ca tài tử), a UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage, and the birthplace of the most famous vọng cổ (nostalgic tune) song, Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang (Night Drum Beats for the Absent Husband). 

Among its attractions, well-known destinations include the tourist area associated with the legendary "Công tử Bạc Liêu" (Bạc Liêu Playboy), as well as Việt Nam's national and special national relics.

Furthermore, the provincial tourism sector provides traditional and folk festivals tied to the distinctive cultures of the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer people.

These advantages help it develop unique tourism models, he added.

An exhibition area for OCOP products at the seminar, themed 'Positioning the Cà Mau tourism brand in overall national tourism', in Cà Mau Province on September 28. .—  VNS Photo

Dương Đức Minh, deputy director of the municipal Institute for Tourism and Economic Research and Development, said that the provincial tourism potential lies in branding the province based on its unique resources.

For effective tourism brand positioning, he said, a key is to focus on sustainable added value, which is one major factor reflected in how tourists feel after their experience.

According to him, tourists themselves are also brand creators. Their sharing of experiences will become an effective and sustainable way of communication.

Minh also highlighted the province's potential for wellness tourism development, thanks to its key features, including beaches, mangrove forests and a unique lifestyle.

In addition, he mentioned the idea of a tourism corridor to link southern hubs – HCM City, Cần Thơ City, and Cà Mau Province. 

In this model, HCM City acts as the "Gateway" for international tourists, Cần Thơ functions as the "Hub" for Mekong Delta experiences, and Cà Mau is the "Iconic Node," offering a final, immersive destination for cultural and ecological exploration.

According to the Ministry Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Cà Mau Province has welcomed around 5.2 million visitors since the beginning of the year, reaching 61 per cent of its plan. 

Its revenue reached VNĐ4.89 trillion, equivalent to 57 per cent of the year's target.

However, experts point out some of the province's tourism sector challenges, including outdated infrastructure, inadequate brand promotion, unprofessional workforce, inconsistent service quality and limited regional connectivity.

Nguyễn Hồ Hải, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, said that the province has identified tourism as one of its development pillars for the coming period.

Nguyễn Hồ Hải, secretary of the Cà Mau Provincial Party Committee, speaks at the seminar. — VNA/VNS Photo

Hải said that the province will focus on investing in tourism infrastructure to create convenient transport links between key tourist destinations and major economic centres. 

Currently, major projects are underway in the area, such as upgrading Cà Mau Airport and building the Cà Mau - Đất Mũi expressway.

The province is also set to enhance workforce training and connect tourism development with the conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage. 

It will also promote its brand through digital technology and business partnerships.

At the event, the People's Committee of Cà Mau launched a programme to develop the province's distinctive tourism products, divided into three main groups: cultural-experience and ecotourism, historical-cultural and spiritual tourism, and culinary tourism. —  VNS