Promoting tourism development through ethnic cultural festivals

Recently, spring festivals and ethnic cultural festivals in the province have become increasingly vibrant and professional, attracting a large number of locals and tourists. They not only offer rich tourism experiences but also contribute positively to economic , cultural, and social development.

Ethnic cultural festivals in Cao Bang are traditional activities that reflect the spiritual life and customs of the local ethnic groups. Among them, festivals such as the Long Tong festival, the Nang Hai festival, the firecracker painting festival in Quang Uyen town (Quang Hoa district), and the Bao Lam bullfighting festival have become important cultural events, attracting the attention of domestic and international tourists. Thanks to these festivals, visitors not only witness unique traditional rituals but also have the opportunity to participate in folk cultural activities such as Then singing, playing the Tinh instrument, throwing the Con ball, and spinning tops. These experiences not only help connect tourists with the local culture but also increase interest and encourage tourism .

Mr. Nong Van Hanh (from the city), attending the Bao Lam bullfighting festival, shared: "This is a long-standing traditional cultural feature of my hometown. I feel very happy and proud to participate in the festival. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, everyone is excited. This is not only an opportunity to preserve and promote traditional culture but also helps to unite the community and promote Cao Bang culture to friends inside and outside the province. The festival contributes to attracting tourists and helps develop the local economy and tourism."

The development of festival tourism has brought many positive impacts to the lives of local people. When tourists come to participate in festivals, the demand for accommodation, food, and transportation increases, creating opportunities for locals to expand services such as homestays, restaurants, eateries, and souvenir shops. Many families have renovated their stilt houses to turn them into homestays, preserving traditional culture while also generating additional income. Furthermore, locals knowledgeable about customs and traditions have the opportunity to become tour guides, helping them both preserve cultural heritage and secure stable employment. Beyond improving economic life, festival tourism also creates opportunities for the strong development of traditional craft villages. Handicraft products such as brocade, traditional musical instruments, silver jewelry, and herbal wine have greater access to customers, thereby helping to maintain and expand production and preserve the cultural values ​​of ethnic minorities.

Numerous tourists flocked to the bullfighting festival in Bao Lam district.

Besides economic benefits, festival tourism also contributes to raising community awareness about cultural and natural conservation. When festivals attract a large number of tourists, the government and people will be more conscious of maintaining a clean and beautiful environment, protecting historical relics, and avoiding indiscriminate resource exploitation. Many localities have implemented green tourism models such as minimizing plastic waste and using environmentally friendly products to create an image of sustainable tourism. At the same time, cultural exchange between tourists and local people helps to enhance national pride and encourage the younger generation to learn about and preserve the customs and traditions of their ancestors.

Ms. Nguyen Minh Huyen, a tourist from Hanoi, said: I have heard a lot about the beautiful scenery and unique culture of Cao Bang, especially the traditional festivals. On this occasion, I want to directly experience the festival atmosphere as well as explore the tourism services here. I have tried many services, from homestay in the village to local specialties such as sour pho and Cao Bang sausage. In addition, I also joined a tour to explore Ban Gioc waterfall, Nguom Ngao cave and traditional craft villages. The tourism services here are quite professional, meeting the needs of tourists.

Beyond its positive impact on the economy and environment, festival tourism also contributes to promoting education and expanding knowledge for both locals and tourists. Through festivals, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history, beliefs, and customs of ethnic minorities. Many schools in Cao Bang can also organize field trips combined with festivals, giving students a more practical and vivid understanding of ethnic culture. At the same time, those involved in the tourism industry have the opportunity to learn and hone their skills in communication, business, and tourism service management, thereby improving service quality and developing the locality in a more professional manner.

Furthermore, developing festival tourism helps strengthen connections between Cao Bang and other provinces and cities, as well as the international market. When festivals are widely promoted, tourists not only participate but may also return multiple times or recommend them to friends and relatives. Local authorities can also take advantage of this opportunity to establish cooperative relationships with travel businesses, expand the tourism market, and attract more investment to further develop infrastructure and services.

Developing tourism through cultural festivals not only helps promote ethnic identity but also brings many practical benefits to local communities. With proper investment and an effective promotional strategy, Cao Bang can become an attractive destination, drawing a large number of domestic and international tourists. This is not only an opportunity to preserve and promote traditional cultural values ​​but also a sustainable path for developing the economy, education, environment, and the lives of the people.

Khanh Duy

Source: https://baocaobang.vn/thuc-day-phat-trien-du-lich-thong-qua-cac-le-hoi-van-hoa-dan-toc-3176601.html