More than 100 travel firms have pledged to take tourists to Suoi Tien Cultural Park in HCMC’s District 9 to enjoy the month-long Southern Fruit Festival 2012 beginning on June 1.

With the participation of travel firms, the festival’s organizers expect that the number of visitors this year would increase strongly compared to 1.6 million arrivals recorded last year.

Many foreign travel agencies have also included this fruit festival into their tour programs.

“We have announced the festival program early so that travel firms can add it to their tours. Besides, we have promoted the festival to foreign tourists who are visiting HCMC and attracted a large number of tourists,” said a representative of the organizers at a conference introducing the festival on Tuesday.

Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia will bring their art troupes to perform at the festival.

Huynh Dong Tuan, deputy general director of Suoi Tien Cultural Park, said that some 1,500 tons of fruit was sold out last year. The organizers will ensure an abundant supply of fruits for this year’s festival, and fruits will be sold at 20-40% lower than market prices.

The fruit festival is organized by the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the HCMC Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Suoi Tien Cultural Park. The city government has funded the organizing of this festival with around VND400 million.

Taking place on June 1-23, the Southern Fruit Festival will consist of many activities such as the fruit floating market with 70 booths, the fruit decorating competition, musical performances and traditional games.
Besides, around 700 farmers will introduce local specialties to visitors at the festival. (Source: SGT)