When culture becomes a tourism resource

In the current trend of tourism development, many localities are no longer just showcasing their natural landscapes, but have shifted to preserving and exploiting the depth of their cultural values. In Tu Le, this direction is being clearly chosen – considering culture as a core resource, a foundation for developing tourism linked to long-term livelihoods.

Blessed with a pleasant climate, hot springs, terraced rice fields, and especially Khau Pha Pass - one of the famous "four great mountain passes," Tu Le has all the conditions to develop scenic tourism .

However, what makes it uniquely attractive and keeps tourists staying longer is the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the community.

These are the age-old customs of the Thai and Mong ethnic groups, preserved in their stilt houses and wooden homes, in the flavor of freshly harvested Tan sticky rice, in the warm, rich colors of their brocade fabrics; in the vibrant nights of traditional dances and the resounding sound of pestles pounding rice during each festival season… These values ​​are becoming unique tourism products, providing authentic experiences for visitors and defining the values ​​of life in this region.

Recognizing the potential, local authorities have oriented tourism development towards community-based tourism, gradually transforming villages into cultural tourism villages.

After the merger, Tu Le's tourism advantages were more clearly established with types of tourism such as resort tourism, experiential tourism, and community tourism... The approach did not pursue massive investment, but rather took cultural preservation as the foundation, transforming traditional values ​​into direct resources to create livelihoods.

Ms. Dinh Thu Huong - Vice Chairperson of the People's Committee of Tu Le Commune

Ta Sung village, recognized as a community tourism village and considered one of the most beautiful community tourism villages in the province, is a prime example. Each family here not only preserves their traditional way of life but also actively participates in tourism activities. The reality in Ta Sung shows that community tourism not only benefits the households directly involved in providing services but also spreads livelihood opportunities to many families in the village.

At nearly 70 years old, with the traditional brocade weaving craft passed down from her mother, Mrs. Vi Thi Doi still earns a steady income from weaving brocade products, especially from the extra income from tourist groups visiting and experiencing the area. Mrs. Doi shared: “We grew up learning how to weave and dye fabric with indigo from our mother. This craft is now practiced by few families in the area. Every time a tourist group comes to visit, we feel very proud. My family also has partnerships with tourism companies and organizations to welcome tourists for experiences, which helps preserve the craft while providing additional income.”

In the tourist villages of Tu Le commune, even on weekdays, it's not uncommon to see groups of foreign tourists visiting and experiencing the area. These visitors aren't looking for luxury amenities, but for authenticity: sleeping in stilt houses, enjoying local cuisine , bathing in herbal baths, participating in weaving, and pounding rice for traditional dishes. These authentic local experiences are what give Tu Le tourism its unique competitive advantage.

Angelique, a French tourist, shared: “I have been in Vietnam for 21 days. I came here and really enjoyed life in this land, especially the cultural activities. The people are gentle and friendly. I will definitely come back to Tu Le.”

Mr. Lo Van Quyet, owner of Quyet Doan Homestay and one of the earliest community tourism entrepreneurs in Ta Sung, believes that community tourism is creating a strong attraction for domestic tourists, especially foreign tourists (accounting for over 30%), not simply because of the natural landscape, but also because of the pure community living space and new experiences in terms of emotions and culture.

The approach to tourism here doesn't require large investments; instead, it relies on community collaboration. Local households cooperate in organizing services, sharing benefits, and preserving the original state of their living spaces. As a result, the villages retain their rustic charm – "bright, green, clean, and beautiful" – without becoming commercialized.

Tourism in Tu Le is booming. In the first three months of this year alone, the commune welcomed over 43,600 visitors, generating estimated revenue of approximately 60.6 billion VND, exceeding 40% of the annual plan.

These figures not only reflect the appeal of tourism, but also show that people are making a living from their own culture. When culture is preserved, tourism develops, livelihoods improve, and people are motivated to preserve their identity, this forms the foundation for sustainable development, avoiding the risk of "assimilation" in the context of mass tourism.

To develop tourism in the right direction, effectively and sustainably, and to create high-quality cultural and tourism products bearing the distinctive mark of Tu Le, the commune encourages each village to develop tourism products based on its own unique characteristics, linked to characteristic cultural activities such as the Com Festival, the Long Tong Festival, folk art performances, traditional cuisine, etc. At the same time, the accommodation system is gradually being improved with dozens of tourism establishments, including hotels and resorts, meeting the diverse needs of tourists.

From a land rich in potential, Tu Le is gradually affirming the right direction: not sacrificing its identity for development, but transforming its identity into resources.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/khi-van-hoa-tro-thanh-tai-nguyen-du-lich-post899101.html