Finding breakthrough directions for community tourism in Phu Tho.

Community-based tourism is one of the highlights in Phu Tho, helping to promote and introduce to tourists the unique cultural values ​​of the ancestral land. Among these, Tan Son and Thanh Son districts, with their distinct Dao and Muong ethnic cultures and the natural beauty of Xuan Son National Park, are suitable areas for developing this type of tourism.

According to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Lan, Vice Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial Tourism Association, community-based tourism and cultural experiences will be a general trend for tourists in the coming time. Furthermore, this type of tourism makes a significant contribution to the locality by creating many jobs and providing sustainable income for the people. Currently, Thanh Son and Tan Son districts, with destinations such as Long Coc tea hills and Xuan Son National Park, have focused on developing community-based tourism. However, many places still lack systematic approaches and high-quality accommodation facilities. Small-scale homestays often cannot accommodate large groups of tourists, especially during peak tourist seasons.

A community-based tourism facility in Xuan Son National Park, Phu Tho province.

In order to promote and accelerate the development of community tourism in Thanh Son and Tan Son districts and some other localities in Phu Tho province, the Phu Tho Tourism Association recently organized a study tour to learn from the experiences of community tourism in Lam Binh and Na Hang districts ( Tuyen Quang province).

In Lam Binh district (Tuyen Quang province), community-based tourism in some villages and hamlets has developed rapidly and professionally in recent times. Traditional stilt houses are preserved by the people, and the landscape and environment are always green, clean, and beautiful. The local community wholeheartedly participates in and shares the benefits from tourism activities by providing food, entertainment, agricultural products, etc. In addition, community-based tourism in Lam Binh receives support and attention from the local government, such as policies on low-interest loans, financial support for households to renovate stilt houses to welcome guests, and support for performing arts groups.

The Phu Tho Tourism Association organized a study tour to learn about community-based tourism in Lam Binh district.

Following a field survey, Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Thanh Son and Tan Son Tourism Association, stated that the "key" to developing community tourism is the decisive involvement of local authorities. Community tourism destinations are often remote and require convenient transportation connections to bring tourists there. Preserving the landscape is also crucial; for example, the areas surrounding the stilt houses should be green spaces, instead of high-rise buildings and concrete structures, which would reduce their attractiveness to tourists.

"Experience in Lam Binh shows that community tourism only succeeds when all levels and sectors work together. Community tourism in Lam Binh is prioritized, so the government has instructed the people to raise awareness and support it. The people have preserved their traditional stilt houses, maintained environmental hygiene, and preserved their local culture, which creates the attractiveness of Lam Binh. Tuyen Quang province also has policies to directly support community tourism with money and very low-interest loans. In addition, Lam Binh has also been successful in attracting and connecting investors, businesses, scientists, etc., to participate in the development of community tourism," Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan said.

Community-based tourism service groups in Lam Binh are well-organized and professional.

Finding breakthrough directions for community tourism in Phu Tho.

In recent years, Long Coc tea hill has become a prominent destination in Phu Tho province, especially for tourists who enjoy photography, "cloud hunting," and watching the sunrise over the tea hills. The Phu Tho Tourism Information and Promotion Center has connected Long Coc tea hill with other destinations in Xuan Son National Park, creating a unique and experiential nature and cultural tourism route. However, in reality, despite the increased number of visitors, community-based tourism has not yet yielded high economic returns. Local people still lack experience and are hesitant to develop tourism.

Long Coc tea hill attracts photography enthusiasts. Source: Tony Luan

"In Thanh Son and Tan Son districts, there are not many traditional stilt houses left, and investing in building new ones is difficult due to the high costs for local households. Especially in the Xuan Son National Park area, there are still obstacles related to regulations; specific policies are needed for tourism development to create conditions for people to earn better incomes to compensate for off-peak seasons and low visitor numbers. Furthermore, some areas have already undergone urbanization, making community tourism development difficult. We are proposing the establishment of a Community Tourism Development Center in Long Coc commune, with eco-friendly accommodation models amidst tea hills, showcasing culture through cuisine and performing arts... and attracting local people to organize service groups and collaborate on tourism," said Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan.

Currently, the Phu Tho Provincial Tourism Association is also making efforts to guide and support people in Thanh Son and Tan Son districts to develop their cultural and natural strengths for tourism. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Lan said: "We guide people on how to operate community guesthouses, how to welcome guests, and provide them with tourism knowledge. The Association also connects with travel agencies to bring tourists, and at the same time works with people to improve products and agricultural produce to introduce at shops, adding to the agricultural farming experience. Management agencies and businesses are striving to develop community tourism in Long Coc to become a bright spot for Phu Tho in the future."

Community tourism training at the Tourist Information and Support Center in Xuan Son National Park, Phu Tho province.

The tourism potential in Tan Son and Thanh Son districts is considered very large; however, experts believe that for this area to achieve a breakthrough, it needs the participation of investors and businesses with extensive experience in community tourism. "With businesses and investors laying the foundation and providing guidance, community tourism will progress much faster compared to the local people trying to figure things out on their own for a long time without any momentum. The professionalism and coordination capabilities of businesses will help shorten the development process for disadvantaged localities that lag behind in community tourism," said Dr. Pham Thai Thuy.

To meet the growing demand and number of tourists, several more professional tourism projects are being implemented in Thanh Son and Tan Son districts of Phu Tho province. For example, Long Coc commune will have additional community stilt houses and high-end glamping facilities. Meanwhile, Thanh Son town will have a new Thanh Son Tourist Center complex, promising to diversify tourist experiences and contribute to the attractiveness and enhancement of local tourism.

VOV.VN - For sustainable success, community-based tourism cannot develop spontaneously. The principles of preserving local values, protecting the ecological environment, and sharing benefits are immutable.

Source: https://vov.vn/du-lich/tu-van/tim-huong-dot-pha-cho-du-lich-cong-dong-phu-tho-post1077682.vov