Eco - and community-based tourism in Thanh Hoa province's mountainous regions has emerged as a vital catalyst for poverty reduction, economic transformation, and enhancing living standards.
In Lan Ngoai village, Ba Thuoc district, traditional weaving was once on the brink of fading away as locals depended entirely on agriculture. However, with Pu Luong's rise as a popular eco-tourism destination, villagers have revived and embraced their traditional crafts.
Local resident Ha Thi Tinh said previously, many households in the village were poor, but since tourism developed, life has improved. The increasing number of tourists has brought stable income to many families. People now not only rely on farming but also invest in weaving and participate in community tourism services.
Tourism has not only boosted incomes but also provided new skills, such as foreign language proficiency and professional service training. Families in Pu Luong now offer experiential programmes like visiting terraced rice fields, exploring waterfalls, and engaging in cultural activities.
Along with community tourism, luxury resorts in Pu Luong have created jobs for thousands of locals. Positions such as service staff, receptionists, gardeners, and caretakers not only offer stable incomes but also improve residents' quality of life.
Tran Van began working at a resort right after graduating from high school. She said the friendly work environment allows her to learn many new skills, ranging from foreign language communication to tourism services, and provides a stable income to help support her family.
Luong Thi Du, Vice Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Thanh Son commune, Ba Thuoc district, said in addition to creating jobs at resorts, tourism also supports the revival of traditional crafts and the restoration of cultural groups dedicated to preserving local cultural heritage.
Ba Thuoc district began promoting eco-tourism and community-based tourism in Pu Luong in 2016. Initially, only a few households were involved, but now the district hosts 110 tourism businesses, with many earning 3-4 star ratings. In 2024, the district attracted 250,000 visitors and generated a revenue of 250 billion VND (approximately 9.96 million USD).
Six communes in the Pu Luong area were once among the most disadvantaged. Vice Chairman of the Ba Thuoc district People's Committee Lo Van Thang said, now, five of them have improved, and the poverty rate has decreased to 10-15% from 50% in 2010.
Community-based tourism not only helps preserve ethnic cultures but also creates stable income streams, playing a crucial role in sustainable poverty reduction.
From a business perspective, Dinh Van Loc, Director of Vietdatravel (Da Nang), recommended reopening the Da Nang - Thanh Hoa flight route, organising ethnic food festivals, and promoting Pu Luong at major events in Da Nang to attract more visitors and showcase the region's unique culture and experiences.
Pham Hai Quynh, Director of the Asian Tourism Development Institute, said community tourism has become a driver of sustainable economic growth, benefiting rural and mountainous regions. It is not only an opportunity for poverty reduction but also a way to preserve cultural heritage and create a bright future for local communities, he noted./.
VNA
