Sitting under the ancient wooden roof of Quan Anh Heritage House, Ms. Bui Thi Nhan, CEO of Ecohost, recalls the journey that began in 2018, when she decided to build the Ecohost model. Having many years of experience in the tourism industry and regularly interacting with international guests, she gradually realized the inherent limitations of accommodation services in the countryside, where culture is rich but lacks professionalism in tourism. Ecohost was formed, with the expectation of creating a high-quality homestay model, helping the local community both preserve cultural identity and better meet the needs of tourists.

However, the road to making that dream come true is not easy. “People are wondering whether there will be tourists, the government does not believe that Hai Hau can do tourism. We went there, worked with the people to clean up the environment, plant flowers and ornamental plants, build models, bring the first groups of tourists back and gradually convince the community with practical results. They have to see it with their own eyes and hold the money in their hands to believe. The rain has soaked in, now many people have actively participated, even creating additional accompanying services,” Ms. Nhan shared.

Du lịch sinh thái từ bản sắc làng quê

Tourists visit and experience at Hai Minh painter village.

Ecohost is not just a place to stay. With the vision of those who work in tourism with depth, they understand that tourism products are only truly attractive when associated with local culture. From there, this model has connected with many craft villages and unique destinations in Hai Anh to build journeys to explore rural life. The center of the Ecohost ecosystem is the Quan Anh Heritage House - a more than 100-year-old building with Western European architecture mixed with traditional Northern features. This is a vibrant cultural space, where performances and stories about land reclamation history, rice culture are held and is the starting point for heritage tours.

From here, visitors can experience a series of activities associated with local culture such as: Cycling to enjoy the countryside scenery, experiencing the living space and the hard-working spirit of local people; visiting the national historical and cultural relic of Ngoi bridge - Luong pagoda; learning about the art of making brass trumpets in Pham Phao village; going to Hai Minh painter village to listen to stories and experience painting; experiencing the traditional silk weaving profession of Co Chat... Each destination has a story, bringing genuine emotions and avoiding the boredom and mass in traditional tourism.

To do this, Ms. Nhan said, there needs to be consensus from 3 parties: People are the pillars, the government creates a legal corridor and businesses are the connecting and promoting units. It is this 3-party linkage model that has helped Ecohost operate effectively and sustainably. Customers come happily, introduce more friends to come back, that is true sustainability. Not only does it help increase income for people, the model also gradually changes the awareness of the whole community. People begin to be proud of local culture, take better care of alleys and village roads. The government also begins to accompany and has a clearer vision.

Ecohost has now expanded to many other localities, with the team of former collaborators now operating new destinations themselves. They not only continue the model but also inspire other communities to join in preserving the soul of the countryside. For tourists, Hai Anh is now not just a stopover, but a place to live slowly, live green and live with cultural stories told with all sincerity by the local people.

According to People's Army

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/du-lich-sinh-thai-tu-ban-sac-lang-que-a424518.html