After recent successful tourism events, Cần Thơ City plans to host a Southern Food Flea Market every Saturday and Sunday at popular tourism destinations.
The market, which will promote Mekong Delta specialties, is expected to
attract national and international tourists, said Lê Văn Tâm, deputy chairman
of the provincial People’s Committee.
The 6th Southern Traditional Cake Festival, which was held last month,
was a successful event and many vendors and cake artisans said they would like
to participate in similar, long-term activities.
Cần Thơ City said it would open a Southern Food Flea Market every
Saturday and Sunday at several tourism destinations, including Ninh Kiều Wharf
and Nhà Lồng Chợ Cổ, among others.
Tâm said that food hygiene inspections at stalls would be conducted
regularly and that vendors must present a food safety hygiene certificate in
order to run their business.
Though gaining profit is important, vendors must sell products at
reasonable prices, he said, adding that organisers would welcome all vendors
who bring a variety of goods.
Nhâm Hùng, a cultural tourism researcher, said that it was important for
vendors and artisans to improve their skills and introduce interesting products
not only through storytelling but live performances.
He said that authorities should support vendors and artisans in branding
so they can add even more value to their products.
Cần Thơ City has become a more popular tourism destination in recent
years.
During the recent four-day holiday, it attracted more than 100,000
visits, up 12 per cent year-on-year, and earned VNĐ30.5 billion ($US1.34
million), up 17 per cent year-on-year.
Ninh Kiều Wharf, Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Temple, Mỹ Khánh Tourism Village
and Cái Răng Float Market are among the most-visited spots.
Despite the increasing number of tourists, Cần Thơ City has managed to meet
accommodation demand, with four- to five-star hotels nearly fully booked.
By VNS