Sir Joe Lewis Visits Can Tho: Tottenham Chairman, AVIVA Yacht & the Rise of Vietnam’s "Billionaire Market"

Sir Joe Lewis Visits Can Tho: Tottenham Chairman, AVIVA Yacht & the Rise of Vietnam’s "Billionaire Market"

In recent years, cultural and local experience tourism in the Mekong Delta region has become a major draw for international visitors. Can Tho City the economic, cultural, and tourism hub of the Mekong Delta was honored to welcome a very special guest: British billionaire Sir Joe Lewis, who is also the Chairman of the famous European football club Tottenham Hotspur. He visited Vietnam and Can Tho on six occasions during 2019 and 2022. Playing a pivotal role in organizing and facilitating these visits was Mr. Hieu CEO/Founder of HIEUTOUR VN.

Coordinating with Can Tho People's Committee and Local Tourism Community for Distinguished Guest Reception

As a young, dynamic entrepreneur dedicated to his homeland, Mr. Hieu not only operates a tour company but also serves as a silent cultural ambassador for Can Tho. Thanks to his close partnership and credibility with the local government, HIEUTOUR VN, Mr. Hieu, the Can Tho People's Committee, and the local tourism community collaborated closely to host a series of meaningful and warmly received visits for Sir Joe Lewis during his time in Vietnam.

Each program was meticulously prepared and rich in cultural meaning, allowing the billionaire guest to experience the authentic spirit of the Mekong Delta.

Introducing Mekong Culture, People, and Cuisine to Sir Joe Lewis

Throughout his visits, Mr. Hieu personally introduced Sir Lewis to the distinctive cultural values of the Mekong region from the warm, humble hospitality of the locals to the picturesque waterways, and the lush, biodiverse ecosystem.

A highlight of the experience was the visit to Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the most renowned river markets in Vietnam and recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage site. Here, Mr. Hieu encouraged Sir Lewis to immerse himself in the life of a true floating market vendor. In addition to visiting the iconic floating market, Sir Joe Lewis also explored the Con Son Islet community tourism area, where he enjoyed the unique culinary delights of the region and experienced the warm hospitality of the local people. This added another rich layer to his Mekong Delta adventure, showcasing the depth and diversity of Vietnam's southern culture.

The First Billionaire to Buy Agricultural Produce at Cai Rang Floating Market. Now known as the "Billionaire Market"

During the visit to Cai Rang, Sir Joe Lewis made headlines by purchasing over 50 kilograms of fresh local produce directly from boats in the market. His purchases included sweet potatoes, purple onions, carrots, pineapples, and other fresh vegetables. This marked the first time in history that an international visitor particularly a billionaire bought such a large quantity of local produce directly from floating market vendors.

The produce was then taken aboard his multi-million-dollar yacht, AVIVA, where Sir Lewis and his private chef prepared fresh dishes using the top-quality ingredients sourced from the Mekong Delta. This unique culinary journey marked the first-ever appearance of Mekong agricultural products on a luxury superyacht.

Notably, Mr. Hieu and his wife were honored to be invited on board the AVIVA yacht by Sir Joe Lewis, where they shared a memorable experience and received an official Tottenham Hotspur football as a personal gift a touching token of the billionaire's appreciation for the people of the Mekong Delta and a symbol of the strong bond formed through these visits.

With such high-profile engagement, Cai Rang Floating Market has earned a new nickname: "The Billionaire Market", capturing the imagination of global elites and inspiring more high-net-worth individuals to explore the authentic charm of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.

Strengthening Cultural Exchange and Future Collaboration with European Football Clubs

Looking ahead, HIEUTOUR VN will be collaborating with prominent European football clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, to facilitate more frequent cultural exchange events in Vietnam. These initiatives aim to foster deeper understanding and connection between local communities and global fans of major football teams. They also highlight Vietnam as a diverse, welcoming, and vibrant destination worthy of global attention.

By leveraging these partnerships, HIEUTOUR VN seeks to position Vietnam as a go-to destination not only for travelers but also for sports fans looking to combine their passion for football with immersive cultural journeys.

These upcoming collaborations are expected to bring well-known football clubs and their global fan bases to Vietnam on a regular basis, creating a bridge between cultures through the universal language of sport. It's a powerful move to elevate Vietnam’s tourism profile and celebrate local hospitality on an international stage.

Significance of the Event and Mr. Hieu's Contribution

This event not only highlighted the appeal of authentic cultural tourism but also underscored the critical role of passionate and visionary local guides like Mr. Hieu. Sir Joe Lewis’s repeated visits to Can Tho and his heartfelt engagement with the local culture reflect the exceptional quality of tourism services and the compelling charm of Mekong culture.

The visit received attention from international media and tourism organizations. As a result, HIEUTOUR VN and Mr. Hieu have been proudly featured in prestigious global travel publications such as Lonely Planet and Rough Guides (UK) since 2016.

 The six return visits of a world-renowned billionaire are more than a tourism story they represent a cultural bridge, a connection of people, and a celebration of meaningful experiences. With the strong collaboration of Can Tho authorities, the local community, and the dedication of CEO/Founder Mr. Hieu, Can Tho has become more than just a destination; it is a place of lasting impressions and heartfelt connections for international travelers.

Looking ahead, HIEUTOUR VN and Mr. Hieu will continue their mission to bring the soul of the Mekong Delta closer to the world through immersive, authentic, and inspiring journeys. They look forward to welcoming football clubs and fans from around the world to Vietnam for cultural exchange and unforgettable adventures.