New livelihoods from tourism development

With the development of tourism, many community-based tourism areas and destinations in Sa Pa have created opportunities for local people to directly participate in activities serving tourists.

Along with the development of tourism , many community-based tourism areas and destinations in Sa Pa have created opportunities for local people to directly participate in activities serving tourists. As a result, the people have both a stable income and the preservation and development of traditional cultural values. This approach not only provides authentic experiences for tourists but also helps the people become true stakeholders in the preservation and development of cultural heritage right in their homeland.

For nearly a year now, Ms. Ly Tho So has been working at Ban May, part of the Sun World Fansipan Legend tourist area. Here, she is responsible for guiding and introducing tourists to the life of the Ha Nhi people, which is recreated and displayed in Ban May. Every day, she wakes up early to clean and rearrange the traditional rammed-earth house, preparing to welcome visitors. Besides taking care of the house, Ms. So also demonstrates traditional crafts and introduces visitors to the architecture and customs of the Ha Nhi people. The work environment, constantly interacting with domestic and international tourists, not only helps her become more confident but also provides a stable income and an opportunity to introduce her ethnic culture to a wide audience.

In Ban May, dozens of households, artisans, and local workers have found stable employment thanks to community tourism. Among them, Ms. Vu Thi Sin, a Giay ethnic woman from Ta Van commune, has been involved in Ban May for the past two years, responsible for demonstrating the traditional incense-making craft. Besides her fixed income, she also earns money from selling products she makes herself. “Firstly, it’s fun, secondly, the work is easy and the income is stable. When I sell something, I keep the profits, and each month I have enough to cover my living expenses,” Ms. Sin said.

Currently, Bản Mây has nearly 30 artisans and performers, along with 7 business households from various ethnic groups, participating regularly. Every day, they introduce tourists to unique cultural forms: from handicrafts, cuisine , architecture, and costumes to traditional folk songs and dances. During peak tourist seasons, hundreds of artisans and village performing arts groups are mobilized, contributing to a vibrant cultural tapestry and increasing income for the local people.

According to Mr. Nguyen Anh Vu, Deputy General Manager of Sun World Fansipan Legend, the company's philosophy is to place people and local identity at the center of tourism development. At Ban May, the company invites artisans and local people to directly participate in recreating the cultural space, while also providing infrastructure, equipment, accommodation, and stable salaries as if they were official employees. In addition, the villagers have the right to sell traditional products within their cultural space, ensuring income and motivating them to continue preserving their craft.

At Cat Cat Tourist Area, businesses also create opportunities for local people to participate deeply in serving tourists. Mr. Nguyen Trung Kien - Deputy Director of Cat Cat Tourism Co., Ltd. said: Currently, Cat Cat Tourist Area has more than 250 regular employees, the majority of whom are local people. Many families have 3-4 members working together in the tourist area, from performing and selling handicrafts to providing services for tourists. Working right in their hometown with a stable income helps people feel secure and committed to tourism as a long-term profession, not just a seasonal job.

The Cat Cat tourist area has over 250 workers, the majority of whom are local residents.

Being knowledgeable about the customs, traditions, and culture of the Hmong people, after retiring, artisan Giàng Seo Gà was invited by the Cát Cát Tourist Area to guide and teach the local culture and language to young people right at the tourist site. For Mr. Gà, this work is both a responsibility and a joy in his old age. "Even though I'm retired, I still have the strength and knowledge, and I'm very happy and find it meaningful to continue working and teaching the younger generation," Mr. Gà shared.

By inviting local people to participate directly, businesses empower them to become proactive participants in tourism activities: they introduce the culture, serve tourists, and generate stable income. They are no longer mere observers, but actively contribute to preserving and developing local cultural heritage. With this approach, Sa Pa is demonstrating that community-based tourism is only truly sustainable when it brings long-term benefits to the local people, the true owners of the area's cultural heritage.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/sinh-ke-moi-tu-phat-trien-du-lich-post887817.html