Once a border highland district of Ha Giang province with the number of poor households accounting for 60%, in recent years, thanks to the application of a community tourism development model associated with hunger eradication and poverty reduction for ethnic minority communities. The numbers and lives of Meo Vac people have changed clearly.
Although it is only March, up to this point, Meo Vac has welcomed a large number of tourists, both domestic and international, visiting famous tourist destinations such as Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tu San Canyon, Nho Que River, Khau Vai love market... In the first 3 months of the year alone, the number of tourists coming to Deo Cao district of Ha Giang province increased by 180% over the same period.
These days, many roads leading to ethnic cultural villages of Meo Vac district are always filled with large and small tourist convoys. The number of tourists coming here every weekend reaches hundreds of people, many of whom have to book a long time in advance to get a seat.
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| A corner of Nho Que river (Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province) seen from above. (Photo: Hong Chau) |
Strength attracted from the community tourism model
Since the Politburo issued Resolution No. 08-NQ/TW on developing tourism to become a key economic sector, many localities, including Meo Vac district, have begun researching and implementing the public tourism model. community to improve socio-economic life and create livelihoods for people.
Currently, Meo Vac district has 5 community cultural tourism villages: Mong ethnic community cultural tourism village (Pa Vi Ha village, Pa Vi commune), Lo Lo ethnic community cultural tourism village (Sang Pa village) A, Meo Vac town), Giay ethnic community cultural tourism village (Tat Nga village, Tat Nga commune), Tay ethnic cultural tourism village (Niem Son commune), Nung ethnic cultural tourism village (Khau Vai village, Khau Vai commune).
Located peacefully at the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass, Pa Vi Ha Community Cultural Tourism Village (Pa Vi commune, Meo Vac district) is like a brilliant flower with poetic scenery at the beginning of the Fatherland. Home to 26 ethnic Mong households with a space rich in cultural identity, since 2019, the village has officially been licensed to operate homestay services and deploy activities to welcome tourists.
Mr. Tho Mi Po - Head of Pa Vi Ha village said that before the community tourism model existed, the Mong people here mainly grew corn and raised small cattle, and their lives were extremely difficult, lacking, and often difficult. lack of water and electricity for living and production.
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| Mong ethnic community cultural tourism village (Pa Vi Ha village, Pa Vi commune). (Photo: Hong Chau) |
“Initially, when mobilizing people to participate in implementing the community tourism village model, commune and village authorities encountered many difficulties because most of them were ethnic minorities and their understanding was limited. However, after a period of persistent persuasion so that people can clearly see the benefits of the model, many people have agreed to join hands with the government to build it," Mr. Po informed.
According to her husband, who lived in Meo Vac 15 years ago, realizing that the number of tourists coming to Ha Giang increased significantly, Ms. Hoang Thi Hien, owner of Pa Vi Homestay, discussed with her family to participate in investing and running a homestay business in Ha Giang. Mong ethnic community cultural tourism village (Pa Vi Ha village, Pa Vi commune).
Due to the large construction investment costs, the family was hesitant at first, but seeing the potential and prospects of this model, Ms. Hien's family boldly borrowed money from the bank to develop it. declare. After a few years of working as a homestay, Ms. Hien's family's life has improved significantly, with monthly income reaching 30-40 million VND, many times higher than previous agricultural activities. Not only does it improve family life, Ms. Hien's homestay also contributes to creating jobs for young local workers. Currently, the homestay has 3-5 regular and seasonal workers, earning 5-7 million VND/month/person.
“When they first started operating, the homestay businesses were quite confused, from operating the facilities to providing services. However, with advice and suggestions from the district government, people... we gradually improved to best ensure the needs of tourists. After 2 years of Covid-19, our homestay welcomed a fairly stable number of guests and increased every year. On average, Pa Vi Homestay welcomes more than 20 visitors per day, especially increasing sharply on weekends. On holidays, if tourists do not book in advance, they will not have a room," Ms. Hien said.
Also according to Ms. Hien, since Meo Vac district has widely deployed the community tourism model, homestay owners have regularly been facilitated by commune and district authorities to participate in training courses on tourism and housekeeping skills. reception room; Visit and learn from community tourism destinations in many provinces and cities such as Hoa Binh, Son La, Moc Chau...
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| Ms. Hoang Thi Hien, owner of Pa Vi Homestay at the Mong Ethnic Community Cultural Tourism Village. (Photo: Hong Chau) |
Quickly grasping technology and the popularity of social networks, especially through popular travel booking applications such as Agoda, Booking... many homestay owners in the village have easier access to international visitors, Especially young domestic tourists like to explore indigenous culture and highland scenery.
Ha Thu Thao (24 years old, Hanoi) decided to choose the Mong Ethnic Community Cultural Tourism Village instead of booking a room at a hotel in Meo Vac town because she wanted to experience the life of ethnic people here. This.
“During my 3-day stay here, I had very memorable memories when enjoying unique national dishes; Participate in folk games such as pound throwing, shuttlecock, seesaw, swing...; Immerse yourself in the folk songs of the Mong people," Thao excitedly shared.
Associate traditional cultural preservation with sustainable development
Exchange with TG&VNMr. Ngo Manh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province, said that Meo Vac district includes 18 communes and towns with 199 villages and residential groups, 17 ethnic groups living together, more than 17.200 households, in Of which the Mong ethnic community accounts for 78%. As one of four districts located in the Global Geopark, Dong Van Stone Park is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Meo Vac is determined to conserve and preserve it. Traditional culture as well as community tourism development are one of the key tasks.
“After the Covid-19 pandemic was controlled, in the two years 2-2022, the number of tourists coming to Meo Vac increased dramatically, especially in the beginning of 2023. To date, Meo Vac has welcomed over 2024 visitors, Of which international visitors account for about 300.000%. Meo Vac is oriented towards tourism development but associated with preserving and preserving traditional culture, sustainable development, friendly landscape, and strict management so as not to disrupt the planning," Mr. Cuong affirmed.
According to Mr. Ngo Manh Cuong, each cultural tourism village of each ethnic group has its own cultural identity, from costumes to dishes with unique characteristics. The implementation of community tourism cultural village models has brought economic value, created jobs, increased income for people, and sustainable hunger and poverty reduction for Meo Vac district.
In the coming time, based on the success of the Mong ethnic community cultural tourism village model in Pa Vi commune, the district will promote the construction of a genuine Lo Lo community cultural tourism village. in Sang Pa A village, Meo Vac town to attract more tourists.
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| Mr. Ngo Manh Cuong, Vice Chairman of Meo Vac District People's Committee, talked to the press. (Photo: Giang Huong) |
“The Lo Lo people have very unique identities that are not found anywhere else. In addition to beautiful costumes, Lo Lo people also work hard, sing well, dance... They do everything well. The Lo Lo people are one of 16 ethnic groups with a population of less than 10.000 people and need to be preserved. When planning to build a cultural village of the Lo Lo people, we will also pay great attention to expressing their cultural identity. Such planning allows for better infrastructure, can welcome many guests at the same time and vehicles can move easily," Vice Chairman of Meo Vac District People's Committee emphasized.
Besides preserving and promoting traditional values, to increase the attraction and prestige of Meo Vac tourism in particular and of Ha Giang province in general, the district government also determines that coming to Meo Vac means coming to tourism. green, friendly tourism, restrict and strictly handle cases of predatory tourism that cause offense to tourists.
“Cooperate with the police force and People's Committees of districts and communes to regularly inspect, remind and correct restaurants and accommodation establishments that show signs of price cutting and unusual price increases, especially during holidays. , the common goal is to create the best impression for tourists when coming to Meo Vac, Ha Giang", Mr. Cuong informed.
Although there are still many difficulties, with the determination and unanimity of the government and people in developing and replicating the community tourism model, in the coming time, Meo Vac district hopes to wear more "mantles". new", becoming a red address for tourism not only in Ha Giang province but also across the country.
