YOUNG LEADERS IN DEVELOPING COMMUNITY TOURISM MODELS
Despite graduating with a business degree from a university in Ho Chi Minh City and having ample job opportunities, Phuong decided to return to his hometown to start his own business, developing a community-based tourism model.
Mr. Phuong (far right) guides tourists on a tour of Con Chim Island - Thi Nai Lagoon. PHOTO: Provided by the interviewee.
"Ho Chi Minh City is a good environment for studying and training. Ever since high school, I've harbored the desire to study in the city and then return to contribute to my hometown. Of course, there will be difficulties, but what's important is how you face and overcome them," he shared.
As the head of Vinh Quang 1 village, Mr. Phuong not only successfully fulfills his administrative duties but also plays a leading role in the socio -economic development of the locality. Recognizing the rich natural potential and pristine landscape of Con Chim - Thi Nai Lagoon area, he proactively connected with the people to implement a community tourism model. This was a bold but heartfelt step, aiming to help the villagers create sustainable livelihoods right in their homeland.
In 2022, the Con Chim Phuoc Son Ecotour model was officially launched, thanks to Mr. Phuong's efforts. Instead of large-scale investment or external intervention, he chose a community-based approach: local people directly participate in serving tourists, from boating and guiding tours to cooking and preparing traditional local dishes. Mr. Phuong acts as a "bridge" between tourists and this pristine, peaceful land.
"Initially, the model faced many difficulties, especially in attracting tourists. The local people always wanted to preserve the pristine beauty of Con Chim Island. As a tourist, I also hoped to experience the true spirit of the local community. Therefore, community-based tourism was the most suitable direction," Mr. Phuong said.
In just two years of operation, by 2024, the Con Chim Phuoc Son Ecotour model had welcomed over 1,000 visitors. Significantly, the model not only achieved growth but also created stable jobs for approximately 20 local workers – individuals who previously relied primarily on small-scale fishing or freelance work. Income from tourism activities has significantly improved the lives of many families in the village.
"I only hope to contribute a small part so that people in my hometown no longer have to leave their homes, but can legitimately prosper on the land inherited from their ancestors," Mr. Phuong expressed.
CREATING JOBS FOR OVER 100 YOUNG WORKERS
Not content with just the tourism sector, Mr. Phuong also participates in bidding for and implementing many civil construction projects in the locality, making a significant contribution to the development of rural infrastructure. Through these projects, he creates regular jobs for more than 100 local workers, mostly young people who had left their hometowns to seek a living elsewhere, but can now confidently settle down in their hometown.
In 2024, Mr. Phuong's Con Chim Phuoc Son Ecotour attracted over 1,000 visitors, creating jobs for 20 local workers. (PHOTO: Provided by the interviewee)
As the village head, Mr. Phuong actively collaborates with the commune government and various organizations to conduct awareness campaigns on environmental protection and preserving the village's cultural identity. He regularly attends village meetings to listen to the opinions of the villagers, and from there proposes many solutions that are appropriate to the practical situation.
As a leading example in social work, in 2021, Mr. Phuong was honored with a commendation from the Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Dinh province for his outstanding achievements in disseminating and educating the public about the law in the province – a quiet but valuable contribution to raising awareness and building a civilized way of life.
Besides being involved in business, Mr. Phuong is also a dedicated young volunteer who wholeheartedly serves the community.
PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE SUBJECT
Mr. Phuong is also an active volunteer in charitable activities. Regardless of the weather, he and other organizations regularly mobilize, collect donations, and organize visits and gift-giving to people in remote areas, especially in the mountainous district of Vinh Thanh. Every year, he also organizes free meal cooking and distribution for poor patients at the Tuy Phuoc District Medical Center.
"Mr. Phuong is a typical role model of the new generation of youth - daring to think and daring to act. The things he does not only bring economic benefits, but also preserve the cultural and natural values of his homeland. Mr. Phuong has inspired many young people in the locality," commented Mr. Tran Minh Truong, Secretary of the Youth Union of Phuoc Son commune.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/9x-mo-duong-cho-ba-con-lam-du-lich-185250605202144406.htm
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