In order to enhance awareness, knowledge, and skills on community-based tourism development among craft village residents and businesses with a tendency to develop community-based tourism, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has organized a training course on knowledge of this type of tourism development. The class was reported by Mr Pham Hai Quynh, Director of the Asia Tourism Development Institute.

Visitors enjoying experiencing the art of mat weaving and handicraft production using sedge in An Cu Sedge Village (Tuy An district)

- On this occasion, the Director of the Asia Tourism Development Institute (ATI) surveyed a number of craft villages, agricultural communities, and cultural tourist villages with great potential, which have been developing community-based tourism (CBT) in the province. Reporter Phu Yen News had an interview with Mr. Phạm Hải Quỳnh around this content.

* Sir, Phu Yen is known for its resources well-suited for CBT development. What is your evaluation of this potential? 

- I have been to Phu Yen a few times. This time back, I had the opportunity to directly survey several community cultural villages, such as Ngoc Lang Vegetable Village (Ward 1, Tuy Hoa City), Vinh Ba Weaving Village and lotus field area in Hoa Dong commune (Tay Hoa district), and Xi Thoai CBT and Culture Village (Xuan Lanh commune, Dong Xuan district). I also learned that Phu Yen is actively promoting the development of this type of tourism.

Many cultural and craft villages in Phu Yen are being developed by local people and communities to create a range of CBT products, such as Buon Le Diem (Song Hinh district), An Cu Sedge Mat Village (Tuy An district), and Long Thuy Fish Sauce Village (Tuy Hoa city), etc. It can be said that Phu Yen possesses abundant natural and human resources suitable for the CBT development.

Each region holds its own unique values, and CBT is always deeply connected to and effectively promotes the indigenous culture and traditions of the locality. By tapping into the local community’s inherent strengths, these elements become the most important factors for the sustainable development of CBT.

 * Could you provide more specific suggestions on the CBT development model in craft and cultural villages that you believe hold several potential for development?

 - Ngoc Lang Vegetable Village is one of the traditional agricultural villages situated along the river and near the center of Tuy Hoa city, which is very convenient to choose as a model for CBT development. It is essential to highlight the value of this traditional vegetable village in order to showcase the shape of a CBT.

A specially designed gate at the entrance of Ngoc Lang Village, associated with nature and culture, serves as a compelling attraction for tourists. The thatched-roof huts, brightly illuminated at night, along with the development of culinary services and coffee offerings in the fields, etc., will definitely captivate visitors. Next is to develop internal resources in the locality, such as young people start-ups and women start-ups, while strengthening connection and promotion to enhance the appeal.

Hoa Dong Lotus Village, Xi Thoai Cultural Village, and An Cu Sedge Mat Craft Village are also communities with potential for CBT development. These areas possess resources (nature and culture) to develop into typical products, are associated with indigenous culture, and make a difference...

* ATI is a non-profit scientific and technological organization operating in the field of CBT development. Could you elaborate on this in more detail? And would you be open to collaborating with localities like Phu Yen?

- At ATI, we specialize in supporting land use models that deliver tangible benefits to ethnic minorities. The Institute also conducts scientific research as well as implements topics and projects on resource development in tourism; research on the development of Vietnamese tourism, culture, and Asian tourism (certified by the Ministry of Science and Technology).

With the mission of "Developing for the community", ATI researches and develops models of green and sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, CBT, agricultural and rural tourism, craft village tourism, and tourism associated with the conservation and development of cultural heritage values; preserving and promoting the value of Vietnamese herbs; and creating sustainable livelihoods for ethnic minorities, etc., in order to generate proactive revenue for the community, foster local socio-eco development, and contribute to transforming tourism into a key economic driver.

Based on the local needs for CBT development, according to its functions, tasks, and capacities, ATI is ready to connect, advise, and support agricultural and rural start-up programs aligned with the CBT development. We will also accompany and seek solutions for consulting and implementing tourism projects, establishing strong links with tourism enterprises that organize domestic and international tours, attracting tourists to the locality as soon as the project is completed. More importantly, ATI is capable of mobilizing resources, optimizing budget efficiency in community development, and contributing to building social security within the locality.

Source: Phu Yen Newspaper

Translated by HAI LOAN