Transformation through community-based tourism

In 2019, immediately after the Provincial People's Council issued Resolution 05/NQ-HĐND on policies to support tourism development, Huong Thuy developed a plan and implemented it down to the grassroots level. However, from that time to the following years, the negative impact of COVID-19 severely affected tourism in general, and Huong Thuy tourism in particular. To revive tourism, especially community tourism, from 2020 to the present, Huong Thuy has supported the construction of 5 new homestays, upgraded 1 homestay, developed 5 experiential products, invested in infrastructure improvements, and provided training in tourism and service skills… with a total budget of nearly 11 billion VND.

Thanks to government support and investment, the enthusiasm and determination of the local people to commit to and develop community tourism have led to the improvement of several homestays and experiential destinations in Thuy Thanh and Duong Hoa districts, such as Xanh Homestay, XuKa Homestay, Thong Xanh Medicinal Herb Homestay, and Van The Garden. These establishments are increasingly perfecting in terms of appearance and quality, attracting a large number of visitors. Among them, Van The Garden has made a strong impression on both domestic and international tourists and is highly rated by travel agencies.

Over the past two years, community-based tourism in Huong Thuy has undergone significant changes and development, with the emergence of many innovative tourism models and products related to agriculture and traditional crafts, attracting tourists and students alike to visit and experience. This has increased actual income for local households and provided stable employment for over 120 workers in the area.

According to Ms. Cai Thi Duyen, Head of the Culture & Information Department of Huong Thuy Town, with the principle of promoting the strength and will of the community, accompanied by clear directions and plans in community tourism development, the People's Committee of Huong Thuy Town has been and continues to direct specialized units to coordinate with localities to conduct field surveys and build a plan for community tourism development in the coming years.

In reality, Huong Thuy's tourism sector still faces several challenges, such as: inadequate infrastructure; limited natural potential compared to other localities; some tourist destinations with potential but lacking large-scale, professional investment and development by businesses; its proximity to Hue City resulting in low overnight visitor numbers, failing to stimulate investment in resort services – a type of tourism with high income potential – as expected…

According to Ms. Cai Thi Duyen, to address the existing issues, Huong Thuy has been combining various solutions based on three factors: planning, investment, and operation. These include strictly implementing planning and environmental impact assessments for investment projects in tourist areas and sites; focusing on investing in and improving transportation infrastructure, accommodation facilities, and restoring historical relics; and paying particular attention to operational management to enhance the effectiveness of tourism development.

In addition, investments will be made in building new homestays, experiential products, and traditional crafts with new and unique criteria to enhance the experience and enjoyment for tourists; strengthening the training of tour guides and interpreters; investing in infrastructure such as parking lots and standard restrooms; creating opportunities for tourism-related households to learn from the models of other localities; and connecting with travel agencies to introduce, promote, and advertise Huong Thuy tourism to domestic and international friends.

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