Opening up avenues for community-based tourism development.

QTO - Dakrong commune possesses a rich system of historical relics and a unique cultural treasure. In recent years, the locality has made efforts to preserve heritage in conjunction with developing experiential tourism. This approach has initially created local jobs, generated income, and opened up opportunities for sustainable poverty reduction for the ethnic minority people in the area.

Infrastructure is still lacking.

Currently, Dakrong commune has 11 historical sites. Although the local authorities have made many efforts in preservation and restoration, they still face many difficulties, and many sites have deteriorated. Community tourism activities in the area are also facing many major obstacles. The commune currently has two tourist destinations: Klu and A Lao.

The Klu community tourism destination is heavily impacted by harsh weather conditions: During the dry season, the streams dry up due to local people building dams upstream for domestic use; during the rainy season, floods damage infrastructure, causing the hot springs built in 2024 to be swept away. The community tourism workforce is mostly part-time and lacks formal training. The number of visitors to the area is unstable and highly seasonal.

Ms. Ho Thi Don, a resident of Ka Lu village who runs a general store, said: “Previously, I participated in a brocade weaving project at the tourist area with other villagers. However, over time, due to a lack of proper investment, the hot springs and the Ka Lu area have failed to attract tourists. Now I no longer weave fabric. I hope that the relevant authorities will pay attention to investing in developing the village into an experiential tourism destination, promoting services so that villagers can have more income, and contributing to the promotion of the culture and historical and tourist sites of the commune.”

The Dakrong suspension bridge, a popular tourist attraction - Photo: KS

Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai Loan, a tourist from Ngu Hanh Son ward, Da Nang city, commented: “My family is very impressed every time we pass through Dakrong commune – where there is a suspension bridge spanning a picturesque river and majestic mountains surrounding the villages. Especially during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), we have the opportunity to visit Ka Lu hot springs right on Highway 9, where there are many beautiful stilt houses and hospitable locals. However, I think there needs to be guidance to help the locals invest more systematically in tourism and services to attract more tourists.”

Solutions for creating sustainable livelihoods

To develop the economy while preserving cultural heritage, local authorities have proactively implemented many comprehensive measures, identifying the preservation of national identity as the foundation for sustainable tourism development. The locality has focused on planning areas with potential for experiential and cultural tourism development; gradually investing in transportation infrastructure, improving the landscape, and building rest stops and community spaces to serve tourists. Regarding the preservation of historical relics, the locality prioritizes allocating state budget funds, combined with integration from national target programs, to carry out the restoration and renovation of dilapidated structures.

Mr. Doan Quang Anh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dakrong commune, said: “In recent times, the commune has focused on restoring and maintaining the folk songs, folk dances, and distinctive cuisine of ethnic minorities. We encourage people to develop community tourism and build experiential models associated with local culture. The locality also strengthens propaganda, training in hospitality skills, and image promotion. As a result, many cultural values ​​have been restored, the number of tourists has increased, and the lives of the people have improved.”

Currently, the A Lao community tourism site is operating effectively, providing stable employment for 13 households in the area. In the future, the Dakrong Commune People's Committee plans to mobilize resources to upgrade the infrastructure of historical sites and tourist destinations. The commune will focus on developing experiential products rich in local identity and improving the quality of local human resources through vocational training. Links with travel agencies will also be strengthened to expand promotion, aiming to both preserve culture and history while creating sustainable livelihoods for the people.

Ko Kan Suong

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/du-lich/202606/mo-huong-phat-trien-du-lich-cong-dong-a8a4b1c/