Sustainable development of Ta Xua tourism

Cloud Paradise

From a little-known highland commune, today, the name "Ta Xua" with places such as: Ta Xua Cloud Paradise, Ban Be Tea Hill, Dolphin Point, Ta Xua Grassland... attracts the attention of many domestic and foreign tourists.

Ta Xua currently has 4 villages with 574 households and over 3,500 people, mainly Mong ethnic people. Thanks to its existing potential, strong social networks and effective support from all levels, Ta Xua tourism has developed rapidly. In the period of 2021 - 2024, the commune has invested in 17 infrastructure projects with a total capital of nearly 28 billion VND, contributing to changing the face of the countryside and making Ta Xua an attractive destination.

The whole commune has 44 accommodation establishments, serving about 800 visitors/day and night; dozens of cloud-hunting cafes, motorbike rental services and tour guides. Many families have developed restaurants to serve tourists. Check-in points such as cloud-view cafes and camping areas are increasing. The economic life of local people has been significantly improved thanks to tourism revenue. 100% of the roads from the commune center to the villages and the commune road system, inter-village roads are all paved, making it convenient for cars to travel all year round. All 4 villages have cultural houses. Ta Xua has completed 14/19 criteria and 51/57 new rural indicators.

Although tourism is developing rapidly, it has brought with it consequences. Planning has not kept up with the pace of development, causing houses to spring up haphazardly, destroying the natural landscape. Land fever and massive transfers of land use rights have affected people's long-term livelihoods. Traffic is overloaded, the roads to the commune are narrow, prone to accidents and congestion during peak times. Seasonal tourism has made service businesses unstable. Along with that, people's awareness of environmental protection is still limited, the amount of waste has increased; plastic bottles, nylon bags and leftover food have not been thoroughly collected, making the landscape unsightly.

Mr. Mua A D. was born and raised in Ta Xua, and shared: The village used to be very quiet, but now cars and motorbikes are everywhere. The villagers are happy because they have money from tourism, but they are also worried that in the long run, the waste source will be overloaded and houses will be built haphazardly without planning, ruining the beauty of the village.

Mr. Mua A Ho, Chairman of Ta Xua Commune People's Committee, said: The commune identifies resource management and maintaining a balance between tourism development and environmental and landscape protection as key factors for sustainable tourism development. In recent times, the commune has implemented many solutions, such as: Disseminating tourism laws, raising awareness among people; strictly controlling business, investment and construction activities; focusing on waste collection and treatment, environmental and landscape protection. At the same time, strengthening security, order and food safety in tourist areas and coordinating with all levels in tourism planning and management in accordance with regulations.

The cloud paradise brand on Ta Xua peak is both an opportunity and a challenge, requiring local authorities to have strong policies in developing regulations on environmental protection and controlling the activities of homestays and restaurants. At the same time, promoting community tourism, helping local people benefit fairly and sustainably from tourism development.

Preserving cultural identity

In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, Ta Xua also attracts tourists by the unique and distinctive culture of the Mong ethnic group. The colorful brocade dresses, the colorful highland markets, the traditional Khen and dances always impress visitors. However, the indigenous culture is also facing the risk of being lost. A part of the Mong ethnic youth is wearing less and less traditional costumes, instead wearing modern clothes. In addition, some traditional crafts such as weaving, Khen casting, and forging agricultural tools are rarely learned.

People of Ta Xua village, Ta Xua commune, pick spring tea.

Faced with that risk, in recent years, the Party Committee and the communal government have focused on preserving and conserving the traditional cultural identity of the Mong people in association with tourism development, focusing on propaganda, mobilization, encouragement and support for people to preserve and develop cultural features such as: Traditional Mong house architecture; traditional embroidery; making panpipes, flutes, and jars; establishing and maintaining the activities of Mong ethnic singing and dancing groups, folk games such as walking on stilts, spinning tops; preserving and developing the area and products of Ta Xua tea... Thanks to that, unique products have been created to serve the daily life of the people and gradually meet the needs of tourists to experience and enjoy.

In addition, some families maintain the profession of weaving linen, making Mong pipes, and organizing free Mong language classes for children. Some homestays combine business and cultural preservation, creating experiential activities such as learning to weave, cooking traditional dishes, and cultural exchanges with local people. These are positive signals, so that the Mong ethnic culture here does not fade in the flow of tourism.

People of Ta Xua village, Ta Xua commune, dry tea to serve tourists.

In addition, it is thought that local authorities need to have policies to support artisans in preserving traditional culture, encourage community tourism programs associated with national identity; organize many cultural fairs, traditional festivals, helping to promote the image of the Mong people. At the same time, create livelihoods for people through typical handicraft products. Only when indigenous culture is preserved and promoted properly, can Ta Xua tourism develop sustainably, without losing the core values of this land.

Directions for Ta Xua

Mr. Dao Van Nguyen, Chairman of Bac Yen District People's Committee, said: Realizing the potential for tourism development in Ta Xua, Bac Yen district has proposed a policy to develop tourism in this area, such as: Proposing to supplement the Ta Xua tourism development plan of Bac Yen district to the general tourism development plan of Son La province for the period 2021 - 2025. Forming highland cultural eco-tourism routes; developing a family-scale community tourism model. Renovating and restoring existing tea areas associated with protecting ancient tea areas; expanding Ta Xua tea areas and associating with experiential tourism, preserving and enhancing the Ta Xua tea brand. Building Ta Xua as the center of tourism development of the district, a satellite of Moc Chau national tourist area and Son La hydroelectric reservoir area tourism area.

In addition, localities need to develop appropriate planning, control the number of accommodation establishments, and effectively treat waste. Businesses and tourist establishments must sign a commitment to preserve the landscape, use environmentally friendly materials, and create conditions for local people to participate in sustainable business activities. Actively promote environmental awareness to tourists, limit the use of disposable plastics, respect local cultures, and participate in responsible tourism activities.

By the end of 2024, the district had achieved and exceeded 6/6 goals set out in the Project on tourism development in Bac Yen district for the period 2021-2025; the tasks and solutions of the project have been actively implemented. Tourism activities have developed rapidly, gradually becoming an important economic sector, actively contributing to the process of economic restructuring, creating jobs for workers and improving people's lives...

With the joint efforts of local authorities, people and tourists, Ta Xua will become an attractive destination, a model of tourism development associated with nature and cultural protection.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/du-lich/phat-trien-ben-vung-du-lich-ta-xua-aYJMqJxHg.html