Nghe An community tourism flexibly transforms, finding ways to 'take short-term to support long-term'

Faced with the complicated developments of the Covid-19 pandemic, homestay tourism businesses have no guests. In order to maintain operations, households have switched to producing traditional goods to prepare to serve the needs of tourists after the tourism industry resumes operations.

Up to now, in mountainous areas, there are 4 districts where this type of model has appeared.tourism businessby homestay associated with community tourism. Of which, in Tuong Duong there is 1 facility; Con Cuong has 5 facilities; Quy Chau has 7 facilities; Thanh Chuong has 3 facilities.

The community tourism development cooperative group in Yen Khe commune (Con Cuong) takes advantage of the opportunity to weave brocade and prepare goods to serve the needs of tourists when needed. Photo: Tien Dong

Ms. Lo Thi Hoa - owner of ahomestayin Yen Khe commune (Con Cuong) said that due to the impact of the epidemic, in 2021 there were almost no visitors, so she and 27 other sisters in the community tourism development cooperative organized the installation of 7 looms to weave brocade together, then sew them into traditional shirts and skirts, preparing a source of goods to serve the needs of tourists when they resume operations.

According to the statistics from the Department of Culture and Information of Con Cuong district, up to this point in 2021, the homestay type in the area has earned 889 million VND from community tourism, of which revenue from tourists' shopping activities is 146 million VND. Although this source of revenue is insignificant compared to the investment costs that businesses have to pay, during the outbreak, this source of revenue can partially compensate.

Brocade products of Yen Khe Commune Community Tourism Development Cooperative Group. Photo: Van Thu

In Quy Chau, there are currently 7 homestays concentrated in Chau Tien commune, which is associated with the relic cluster of Bua cave and Muong Chieng Ngam.Thai ethnic group.

According to Ms. Lang Thi Tam - Head of Hoa Tien Community Tourism Cooperative (Quy Chau), to adapt to the epidemic situation, homestay businesses have shifted to focusing on producing handicraft products. In particular, many homestays have taken advantage of available facilities and equipment to open more culinary activities to serve diners in the district.

The art troupe of Hoa Tien Community Tourism Cooperative (Quy Chau) rehearses for art performances to be ready to serve tourists when tourism resumes. Photo: Tien Dong

Mr. Nguyen Hung Cuong - Head of the Department of Culture and Information of Quy Chau district shared that although the Covid-19 epidemic has caused numerous difficulties for the tourism industry, especially community tourism, businesses must switch to a new state to suit the situation. This is a very practical action to ensure the maintenance of the system of facilities, infrastructure and human resources, so that when the epidemic is under control, it can be put into operation immediately./.