HCM CITY — Châu Đốc Town in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of An Giang has launched a project on sustainable tourism for the 2018-25 period to promote the town as a spiritual and cultural destination with unique tourism products and services.

Trần Quốc Tuấn, vice chairman of Châu Đốc Town’s People’s Committee, said that the project would focus on developing sustainable tourism, and help raise public awareness of professional and responsible tourism practices that contribute to local economic growth.

The project, called “Communication, Promotion, Human Resources Training and Brand Building for Châu Đốc Tourism”, has a total cost of VNĐ40 billion (US$1.76 million).

During the first phase of the project from 2018 to 2020, the town will focus on human resource training and marketing activities for products at home and abroad, according to Tuấn.

In the second phase from 2021 to 2025, the town will promote corporate brands and create market recognition in the Greater Mekong Sub-region and Southeast Asia, among other overseas markets.

The People’s Committee also announced that it had chosen a logo for the town with the image of seven lotus petals and Bà Chúa Xứ (Lady Xứ) Temple.

Millions of pilgrims flock to Lady Xứ Temple at the foot of Sam Mountain in Châu Đốc Town every year, especially during the temple’s most important festival held annually from the 23rd to the 27th day of the fourth lunar month.

Châu Đốc Town, with significant Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities, is famous for Sam Mountain, its centuries-old pagodas and the Trà Sư Bird Santuary.

Last year, the town attracted 4.9 million tourists and pilgrims. — VNS