The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta city of Cần Thơ has launched a project on green tourism at the Cái Răng Floating Market, one of the most-visited destinations in the region. —Photo canthotourism.vn

CẦN THƠ — The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta city of Cần Thơ has launched  a project on green tourism at the Cái Răng Floating Market, one of the most-visited destinations in the region.

The city has asked the Cái Răng District’s People’s Committee to collect statistics on households living on the floating market and conduct research on their needs for clean water, power, restrooms, and other essential needs to improve their living standards.

District authorities also need to develop sustainable tourism solutions, such as regular collection of trash on the river and improvement of public awareness about environmental protection, food hygiene and safety, and green tourism.

In addition, the district should create jobs involved in tourist activities at the floating market.

Cần Thơ has asked the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to work with the city’s Bank for Social Policies to offer soft loans for households doing business at the floating market.

The Department of Transport has been asked to ensure safety and order at harbours in Ninh Kiều and Cái Răng districts, while the Police Department will rearrange the mooring system for boats to ensure safety and order on waterways.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is cooperating with the departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Industry and Trade on trade promotions to drive the "One Commune, One Product" product sales at the floating market.

The work will give local craft villages and farmers opportunities to introduce their products to tourists.

The Cái Răng Floating Market began over 100 years ago as a place to sell agricultural products and local cuisine.

Apart from selling fruits and vegetables from the city, it also offers special farm products from neighbouring provinces.

The region’s foods, specialties and handicraft products are also sold at the market.

It is open every day from 4am to 9am, and attracts up to 500 boats visiting the kilometre-long market during holidays and festivals.

The market was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2016. VNS