Unlocking the potential of green tourism in Cu Lao Dung.

Possessing a diverse ecosystem of saltwater, brackish water, and freshwater, Cu Lao Dung (comprising An Thanh and Cu Lao Dung communes, Can Tho City) is gradually unlocking its potential for ecotourism and green tourism that protects the environment. Many experiential models based on local resources have emerged, opening up avenues for community-based tourism development with unique characteristics.

Tourism businesses surveyed the honey bee farming model at the Six Phuong facility in An Thanh commune.

Leveraging local values

In mid-May, Mr. Le Thanh Phuong (Phuoc Hoa A hamlet, An Thanh commune), commonly known as Sau Phuong, welcomed the first groups of visitors to experience his honey bee farming model and confidently introduced his garden combining beekeeping and characteristic honey products.

Here, visitors not only learn about beekeeping but also hear the story of how the "Six Phuong Cu Lao Dung Honey" brand has been built over the past decades. Mr. Six Phuong shared: "I mainly raise bees for honey, sell bee colonies, and support local people in developing their garden economies . About two or three weeks ago, I started trying to combine it with tourism. Partly because my grandchildren persuaded me to do it to promote the local area, and partly because I wanted to work with the people of the island to promote tourism and spread the beauty of our homeland."

Similarly, many traditional crafts, orchards, and agricultural products in Cu Lao Dung are being connected to form experiential routes. Ms. Pham Thi Thuy Diem, Head of the Cu Lao Dung Women Entrepreneurs Club, said that the group has surveyed many locations in Cu Lao Dung and An Thanh communes to build sustainable tourism routes with local characteristics. Ms. Thuy Diem shared: “In An Thanh commune, there are lush green orchards and traditional craft villages with many experiences. Initially, we are connecting with the Six Phuong coconut garden, honey production, and broom-making village using coconut fibers.”

Ms. Huynh Thi Thuy, residing in Phuoc Hoa A hamlet, An Thanh commune, shared: “Previously, I only knew how to make brooms, but now I'm learning how to do tourism. I make mini brooms for tourists to experience and take home as souvenirs. Doing tourism is also fun because people learn about the local craft, I meet many people, and learn many useful experiences.”

Although still in the testing phase, the experiential routes in An Thanh commune have initially received positive feedback from travel businesses and tourists.

Opening up new prospects

Mr. Le Hoang Son, Director of Dat Chin Rong Tourism Company, highly appreciated the experiential models involving local people. According to him, the coconut-lined roads and diverse experiences such as visiting beekeeping farms, learning about traditional broom-making, or making handicrafts by hand all create unique attractions. Mr. Le Hoang Son commented: “What is valuable is that each destination has a story connected to the lives of the local people. It is these intimate experiences that create the unique character of Cu Lao Dung tourism.”

Mr. Truong Van Vinh, Director of Ido Travel Can Tho, believes that Cu Lao Dung could become a new destination in Can Tho's tourism product chain after the merger. The locality has ample room to develop green tourism products linked to environmental protection activities such as experiencing the alluvial plains, reforestation, visiting traditional craft villages, or exploring the lives of the island's inhabitants. Furthermore, Cu Lao Dung's location is convenient for connecting with tourist routes to Ca Mau and Con Dao, or for integrating into familiar itineraries in the Mekong Delta. "To retain tourists, the area needs more homestays, standard accommodations, and nighttime experiences connected with the lives of the local people," Mr. Truong Van Vinh added.

According to Ms. Pham Thi Thuy Diem, in the future, the Cu Lao Dung Women Entrepreneurs Club plans to develop into a community tourism cooperative to expand the participation of local people. The goal is to enhance the value of agricultural products and traditional crafts, and promote local cultural values ​​in a sustainable tourism direction. This is because the product routes that have been surveyed and developed all have stories with deep cultural experiences, linked to the history of the formation and development of the land and people of Cu Lao Dung.

Mr. Nguyen Van Bay, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Can Tho City, stated: “Can Tho has a system of islets and sandbanks that are very suitable for developing green tourism. Ecotourism and resort tourism on these islets and sandbanks are very popular with tourists, and the Department is conducting surveys to develop appropriate directions that align with the values ​​of these tourism resources. The goal is to create products with unique features while maintaining green, sustainable values ​​that reflect the distinct character of Can Tho.”

Text and photos: AI LAM

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/khoi-day-tiem-nang-du-lich-xanh-cu-lao-dung-a205797.html