Finding development directions for agricultural and rural tourism

Revenue up to 30 billion USD/year

Statistics from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) show that the number of tourists participating in rural and eco-tourism currently accounts for about 10%, with revenue of about 30 billion USD/year. On average, each year the number of tourists traveling to rural areas increases by 10-30%.

In Vietnam, agricultural and rural tourism is being exploited by many localities, not only to attract tourists but also to contribute to the development of the local economy. Located at an altitude of nearly 1,500m above sea level, with beautiful natural scenery and a cool climate all year round, since 2015, Sin Suoi Ho village (Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province) has become a community tourism destination and is increasingly attracting many visitors.

Tourists visit Sin Suoi Ho village (Lai Chau). Photo: Hoai Nam

Head of Sin Suoi Ho village, Vang A Chinh, shared that in the past, Sin Suoi Ho village was in a difficult situation, but since starting to build new rural areas and develop tourism, 100% of Sin Suoi Ho households grow orchids, attracting tourists to visit and explore, so the people's lives have gradually improved.

Information from the National Tourism Administration shows that, realizing the benefits that this tourism model brings, most localities across the country have implemented this type of tourism, stretching from the Northern mountainous region to the Mekong Delta with 500 agricultural and rural tourism models. Leading the way in developing this type of tourism is Hanoi City with the construction and planning of 17 craft villages associated with tourism and 4 specialized agricultural cooperatives combining education and experiential tourism.

Not only Hanoi, many localities across the country are also actively implementing rural agricultural tourism in the direction of green growth. Currently, some community tourism tours in the midlands and mountainous areas of the North have become local brands such as experience tours, visiting Moc Chau farm; tours to see terraced fields, visiting villages in Hoa Binh, Son La, Lao Cai, Lai Chau ...

Tourists visit a bonsai garden model in Ben Tre province. Photo: Hoai Nam

In the Central region, domestic and international tourists love to join tours to experience farming activities in Hoi An, Tra Que vegetable village, Thanh Ha pottery village, Cu Lao Cham fishing village, Cam Nam corn village (Quang Nam)... Ninh Thuan province has approved a project to develop typical tourist routes associated with brocade weaving and pottery villages...

Recognizing the benefits that the rural agricultural tourism model brings, Dr. Nguyen Tien Dinh (Department of Economic Cooperation and Rural Development - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) stated that the rural agricultural tourism model not only brings livelihoods to farmers but also contributes to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, ecological landscapes and environments. At the same time, it supports the diverse and sustainable development of tourist destinations.

Need State support

Although it brings economic benefits, according to experts, this type of tourism is still spontaneous and copies each other, not creating a unique feature.

Tourists visit a model of a bonsai garden house at Con Chim, Tra Vinh province. Photo: Hoai Nam

The reason is the lack of specific planning, mechanisms and policies to support the development of this sector. In addition, many destinations have difficulty connecting with travel agencies to complete and build products to attract tourists. To overcome the shortcomings in the development of this type of tourism, management agencies need to develop policies and mechanisms to support people and businesses to invest, build and exploit destinations.

Giving his opinion on the development of a mechanism to support the operators of rural agricultural tourism to grow green and sustainably, Dr. Doan Manh Cuong (Department of Culture and Education, Office of the National Assembly) stated that in the coming time, management agencies need to develop a policy mechanism to impact the supply and price of tourism product inputs. "Localities, including Hanoi, need to create favorable conditions for granting business registration, bank loans, and tax incentives for households and businesses participating in this type of tourism," Mr. Cuong suggested.

Tourists visit a model of a bonsai garden house at Con Son (Can Tho). Photo: Hoai Nam

Agreeing with this suggestion, Dr. Nguyen Van Thang, Deputy Director in charge of the Center for Development Strategy and Policy (Hanoi Capital University), suggested that in the coming time, the government should have mechanisms and policies to encourage travel businesses to bring tourists to rural areas for sightseeing and experience, thereby stimulating localities to develop this type of tourism.

From the perspective of a tourism business, Director of Travelogi Vietnam Tourism Company Vu ​​Van Tuyen said that, in the immediate future, the tourism industry needs to identify target tourists, thereby launching appropriate product marketing activities. In addition, localities need to promote traditional values ​​and production practices, including promoting the development of unique tourism products with high experience and added value; Strengthening the connection between localities to form quality, diverse and attractive tours and routes.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/tim-huong-phat-trien-cho-du-lich-nong-nghiep-nong-thon.html