February 21, tens of thousands flocked into the center of the Mekong Delta City of Can Tho to attend the opening ceremony of National Tourism Year - Mekong Can Tho. 

That afternoon, roads leading to Hoa Binh Avenue were filled with flower car processions, carrying flower-made symbols of the13 Mekong Delta provinces. 

The procession started at 5.30pm, led by a car with the symbol of Can Tho City, followed by the symbols of Long An, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, An Giang, Soc Trang, Ca Mau and others. Following the flower cars were hundreds of artists performing variety shows. The procession was warmly cheered by the audience. 

When the procession ended at 6.30pm, the audiences moved to the major stage in Con Cai Khe, around 3km from Hoa Binh avenue to participate in the opening ceremony and to watch fire-works. 

The organizers prepared seats for 6,000 delegates and audience members, but nearly 8,000 showed up to watch and had to watch the ceremony on a huge screen installed outside. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong hopes this event will contribute to promoting tourism development in the southern region and in Vietnam in general, and to turn tourism into an important economic sector. 

This is the event's first year. Can Tho expects to welcome 2 million visitors.

Source : VNE

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