KIÊN GIANG — The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Kien Giang plans to step up co-operation with airlines and travel businesses to revive its tourism sector, which has been severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its Department of Tourism signed memorandums of understanding with airlines operating domestic and international flights at a conference held last week.

Speaking at the conference, Bui Quốc Thai, director of the department, said  the province reopened to international travellers in November last year, and more than 200 South Korean tourists visited Phu Quốc Island.

The agreements with airlines were a strong foundation to enhance stimulus programmes, promotions and attractive tourism products expected to be launched as the sector shifts to a new normal, he said.

Nguyễn Bac Toan, director of Vietjet's commercial department, said the province should offer favourable conditions to local travel firms and roll out stimulus programmes.

He promised that Vietjet would work with the province to strengthen tourism links with other localities and develop inter-provincial tours in the delta.

Le Thị Nga, deputy director of Bamboo Airways’ south region sales department, also called on the province to offer incentives to businesses for developing travel products and services.

Nguyễn Duy Linh Thảo, director of the province Tourism, Commerce and Investment Promotion Centre, said Kien Giang planned to attract travellers from countries and territories with low risk of COVID outbreaks and promote its image as a safe and friendly destination.

Tourism promotion and marketing activities would also focus on the domestic market, especially HCM City, Ha Noi, Đa Nẵng, and Hải Phòng cities and Thanh Hóa, Nghe An and Lam Đồng provinces. —VNS