New prospects for ecotourism development

After the merger, Phu Tho province possesses three National Parks: Xuan Son, Tam Dao, and Cuc Phuong (part of which belonged to the former Hoa Binh province), along with many nature reserves. This provides a foundation for new prospects to promote the development of tourism in general, and ecotourism in particular, contributing to nature conservation, biodiversity preservation, and increased income for local communities.

Tourists experience the process of printing patterns onto fabric by the Dao Tien ethnic group in Xuan Dai commune.

Ecotourism is a type of tourism based on nature and local culture, linked with environmental education and the active participation of the local community. The merger of the three National Parks opens up more opportunities for tourism development in the locality, especially for ecotourism and nature-based resorts. This will gradually build Phu Tho into a prominent green and sustainable destination in the North, attracting even more domestic and international tourists with diverse experiences.

With their rich and diverse flora and fauna, characteristic of tropical rainforests, National Parks have effectively developed and exploited many environmentally responsible tourism products such as: hiking to explore traditional flora and fauna, camping, fishing, boating, swimming in streams, and participating in traditional activities of indigenous ethnic communities. Ecotourism has also initially attracted some investment projects in this field. Through this, the tourism industry has made a significant contribution to increasing the proportion and positively impacting the strong shift in the structure of the service sector throughout the province.

In parallel, the provincial authorities and departments have also implemented a comprehensive set of solutions to guide the development of tourism and ecotourism, such as: investing in the construction of transportation infrastructure; infrastructure projects serving tourism; developing tours and tourism products; combining ecotourism and community-based tourism with promoting unique traditional cultural values ​​and protecting the environment; improving the service capacity of the tourism workforce; and promoting the image and destinations through social media platforms that attract a large number of followers... Emphasis has been placed on developing and applying amenities based on the promotion of information technology and digital transformation to connect destinations, book tickets, and search for information, better meeting the needs of tourists.

With its pristine limestone forest and rich, unique flora and fauna, Xuan Son National Park is an ideal destination for those who love exploring wild nature. Mr. Tran Ngoc Cuong, Director of the National Park, said: “Xuan Son National Park has diverse terrain, many beautiful landscapes, and unique natural features (forests, lakes, mountains, valleys, etc.); it is located in the triangular formation of the majestic Tam Dao - Ba Vi - Xuan Son natural landscape; and the ethnic communities still maintain their unique cultural identity... These are advantages for developing ecotourism, resort tourism, and community tourism. To promote ecotourism development, Xuan Son National Park has received investment in infrastructure projects such as the road to Na Cave and Lung Troi Waterfall...; upgrading and renovating provincial road 316H into Xuan Son National Park; connecting roads for tourism development in Long Coc tea hills - Xuan Son National Park and some other infrastructure projects serving tourism.... Currently, Xuan Son National Park welcomes a large number of tourists, averaging 20,000 - 30,000 people annually. This is also a place with many ethnic groups.” The group of students and pupils visited the site to combine sightseeing with environmental education, learning about the value of natural resources and biodiversity.

Tam Dao National Park is located entirely on Tam Dao mountain and stretches for 80km. Before the merger, the park was situated within the territories of three provinces: Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen, and Tuyen Quang. Currently, tourism is being developed within the National Park located in our province, offering many effective tourism products and services such as: adventure sports, nature exploration; food and beverage services, accommodation, etc.

Cuc Phuong National Park, where ecotourism is also thriving, has been internationally voted as a top destination in Asia consecutively from 2019 to 2022.

Tourism in general, and ecotourism in particular, creates livelihoods, increases income for local people, preserves cultural values, and promotes socio-economic growth in the locality. To maximize potential and strengths, and to achieve the goal of building Phu Tho into an attractive tourism center that attracts domestic and international tourists, national parks and nature reserves in the area need to implement comprehensive planning, zoning, and map development in areas where ecotourism activities are conducted; diversify tourism products associated with forest protection, fire prevention and control, and biodiversity conservation. Strengthen tourism promotion and marketing; improve resources for ecotourism, with a focus on enhancing the service capacity of tourism personnel; and strongly encourage the participation of local communities in tourism activities.

Le Oanh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/trien-vong-moi-cho-phat-trien-du-lich-sinh-thai-238542.htm