Experts from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society will come to Vietnam in late 2024

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society was founded in 1929 by a group of prominent Canadians, including Marius Barbeau, an ethnologist and folklorist who is now considered the founder of Canadian anthropology; Sir A.E. Arsenault, Premier of Prince Edward Island and judge of the province's supreme court; Lawrence J. Burpee, Secretary of the Canadian International Joint Committee; John Wesley Dafoe, managing editor of the Winning Free Press; Sir Albert Hudson, judge of the Supreme Court of Canada; and Dr. O.D. Skelton, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs . The Society was founded "for purely patriotic purposes" and he hoped it would "have a unifying influence on the lives of Canadians." A report by the acting secretary, ES Martindale, states the intention of the founders: "The work of making the resources and other geographical features of each part of the Dominion more widely known and better understood is one of the best educational services that can be rendered—and it cannot be rendered except through a geographical organization motivated by a broad national purpose." The Royal Canadian Geographical Society provides funding for educational programs, expeditions, research, and lectures. In 2024, Vietnam is included in a special Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) tour. Experts from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) will visit Vietnam in late 2024, as part of a special annual tour called "RCGS Quests".

RCGS comes to Vietnam to enhance understanding of people, places, cultural heritage and natural environment, contributing to the strength of the global tourism community. Photo: Internet.

According to the CEO of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), Mr. John Geiger, the trips of the society aim to increase understanding of people, places, cultural heritage and natural environments, contributing to the strength of the global tourism community. "As a non-profit organization specializing in research and education , the Royal Canadian Geographical Society is proud to once again collaborate with partners to have the opportunity to share our expertise, experience and curiosity with visitors." In 2024, experienced geographer and lecturer at Mount Royal University (Canada) - Ms. Lynn Moorman will be the leader of the journey to explore Vietnam. The trip has many highlights and fully covers the magic of Vietnam, from the traditional North, ancient capitals, majestic coastlines, high mountains, idyllic countryside to vibrant life in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. "During the approximately 10-day journey in Vietnam, participants will discover an extroverted culture where much happens on the streets: eating, washing, socializing, shopping, and spontaneous games. This fascinating journey into the daily lives of Vietnamese people can leave the deepest memories, along with majestic landscapes and great cuisine," the RCGS homepage describes. The Royal Canadian Geographic Society also emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism in Vietnam, including an exchange at a restaurant that teaches tourism to disadvantaged youth in Hanoi, visits to a place selling products of disabled artisans in Hoi An, and small craft villages in the Mekong Delta. A visit to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park will help directly support the area's wildlife and biodiversity conservation. Traditional art shows are also a priority on the schedule, to honor and encourage the preservation of indigenous cultures.

Geographer Lynn Moorman, lecturer at Mount Royal University (Canada). Photo: Source: RCGS.

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society's tour of Vietnam is part of the special travel program "RCGS Quests" - a collaboration between the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the US-based travel company Exodus Travels. RCGS Quests trips are usually in small groups, limited in number of participants and led by travel and exploration experts. Revenue from this cooperation is used to fund research and exploration activities around the world . In the third year of organization, in addition to Vietnam, RCGS Quests 2024 will also go through Italy, Kenya, Jordan, and Egypt. Each trip is led by a professional local guide and explorers, environmental activists, photographers or researchers of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. The goal of RCGS Quests is to conduct 600 discovery journeys in 100 countries./.

Thanh Tung