When agricultural production becomes a tourism experience

(GLO)- From organic coffee farms laden with fruit to lush orchards that used to only serve production, they are now gradually becoming attractive destinations for experiential tourism.

There, visitors can pick their own fruit, enjoy fresh produce, immerse themselves in the working environment, and experience the peaceful pace of life.

Although still relatively new, many cooperatives in Gia Lai have quickly seized the opportunity, leveraging their agricultural advantages to develop agricultural tourism, opening up prospects for sustainable economic development.

The rambutan orchards in Ia Krai commune are always bustling with visitors during the harvest season from June to August each year, who come to experience picking and enjoying the fruit. Photo: Vu Thao

From the idea of ​​experience models

In Ia Phi commune, the Tay Gia Lai Community Agricultural , Service and Tourism Cooperative (Mrong Yo 1 village) has aimed to build a "from farm to cup of coffee" model. Siu Sat, the cooperative's director, shared: "With the advantage of rich natural landscapes such as waterfalls and rocky streams, along with the distinctive cultural values ​​of ethnic minorities such as gong ensembles, communal houses, and ancient churches, we have developed community tourism tours, allowing visitors not only to sightsee but also to immerse themselves in the local culture."

Moreover, visitors can experience harvesting, roasting, and brewing their own cup of coffee; enjoy traditional cuisine ; and learn about the lifestyle, customs, and production methods of the local people.

With each visit of these groups, I realize more clearly that developing community tourism is not only a way to promote the unique products of the Ia Phi region, but also opens up avenues for creating livelihoods, strengthening community bonds, and preserving ethnic cultural identity.”

In early November, when the coffee plantations begin to ripen, it's the most attractive time for tourists to visit and experience. Ms. Le Thi Thuy Minh (a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City) happily shared: “When the coffee beans started to ripen in large quantities, I came to Ia Phi and was guided on how to pick the ripe clusters of fruit. Only when I picked them myself and learned about the wet processing method did I truly understand the value of the coffee bean…”

The Tay Gia Lai Agricultural and Tourism Cooperative (Mrong Yo 1 village, Ia Phi commune) is aiming to build a "from farm to cup of coffee" model. Photo: Vu Thao

In Ayun commune, the An Loc Agricultural, Forestry and Service Cooperative has chosen to develop orchards combined with processing essential oils and dried fruits, while also developing the traditional weaving craft.

Ms. Pham Thi Tu Van, Director of the Cooperative, said: "Here, tourists can enjoy fresh fruit in the orchard, learn about the processing of characteristic products, and watch artisans in De Kjieng village skillfully create exquisite handcrafted woven products such as small tea tables, small suitcases, handbags, etc. Each product is not just a functional item, but also the culmination of hands, minds, traditional beauty, and the persistent spirit of labor passed down through generations."

Towards the development orientation of agricultural tourism.

Mr. Bien Van Hao, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ia Phi commune, said: Developing agricultural tourism is considered a suitable direction for the potential and actual conditions of the locality. This model not only contributes to diversifying tourism products but also creates motivation for people to change their production mindset, linking agriculture with services and experiences.

The commune is encouraging households and cooperatives to produce organically and develop experiential services associated with key products such as coffee and fruit trees.

At the same time, emphasis should be placed on training skills for community tourism and raising awareness of environmental preservation. Developing agricultural tourism not only attracts tourists but also helps ethnic minority people in the locality increase their income.

When local people directly benefit from tourism, they become cultural "ambassadors," contributing to preserving the landscape, conserving identity, and spreading the image of the locality.

Agricultural production is Gia Lai's strength, and agricultural tourism here still has enormous potential. Photo: Vu Thao

Agricultural tourism models in many western communes of the province are gradually becoming a new highlight, attracting a large number of tourists. Although most are still spontaneous, created by passionate farmers themselves, their widespread impact is undeniable.

Destinations like Farm Me Thu (Kon Gang commune), where visitors can explore and experience diverse coffee and fruit orchards such as guava and durian; Farmstay Sam Phat Ialy (Ia Ly commune) with its durian harvesting experience and relaxation model; or the rambutan orchards in Ia Krai, which are bustling with visitors during harvest season…

According to Ms. Pham Thi Tu Van, building on its success in organic farming, the cooperative is gradually expanding into agricultural tourism by partnering with tourism companies to attract visitors, especially those visiting Kon Ka Kinh National Park.

Currently, the cooperative is working with local people to develop production chains such as fruit trees and high-quality rice. This approach not only helps to sell agricultural products but also creates tours that offer experiences of the local people's lives, activities, and production.

"The commune has many advantages after the merger to develop experiential tours, if we know how to combine agricultural production and tourism services well. The most important thing is to guide people to cultivate clean crops, based on existing strong products," said Ms. Van.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/khi-san-xuat-nong-nghiep-tro-thanh-trai-nghiem-du-lich-post572151.html