Tourism and national cultural identity

(Baonghean) -Tourism is a comprehensive economic sector, interdisciplinary, inter-regional and highly socialized. Although it was born late, it has contributed to global development, with profound cultural content.

Tourism development promotes the development of many other service industries, creates many jobs for society, contributes to the protection of natural resources and the environment, eliminates hunger and reduces poverty, thereby accelerating the process of restructuring the national economy.

Since the mid-20th century, international tourism has taken place globally with an average annual growth rate of 7% in terms of number of visitors and 11% in terms of income, accounting for 6.5% of the gross national product and 1/3 of the global service sector revenue. In the current period, tourism is the most effective way to approach foreign countries, contributing to enhancing mutual understanding. Reality has shown that countries with developed tourism industries have the opportunity to exchange, learn from experiences and absorb foreign science and technology faster and more. Because through exchange, mutual understanding is faster, more and more comprehensive. This exchange has a positive meaning for promoting science, technology, culture and education between the parties.

Tourism not only brings great economic benefits, but also contains human identity. Tourism is a passport to peace and mutual understanding between nations. Communication creates a more real understanding, not through the prism of mass media channels, this helps to eliminate prejudice between nations, contributing to promoting mutual understanding. "Tourism is the child of peace, a means of strengthening peace, a means of contributing to balancing the international balance of payments" (OSAKA Declaration).

Tourism also contributes to the protection and preservation of national cultural identity, enhancing patriotism and love of nature. The development of tourism affects the socio-cultural aspects of the destination. Conversely, tourists are also affected by the contrasts and differences in culture and life in the countries and regions they visit. They have the opportunity to understand and learn about the lifestyles and customs of other peoples, which can be of great benefit to tourists.

Above all, one of the great advantages of tourism is to encourage the restoration of lost or forgotten cultural features, to revive and maintain art forms such as music, handicrafts, ritual dances, etc.; to revive customs leading to the preservation of cultural works and to create new markets for works of art.

Normally, tourists returning from a trip often hope that their community also shares the customs, habits, attitudes and beliefs that they have acquired and learned. Comparing cultures, the desire to add "good" elements of other cultures, eliminating "bad" elements of their own community is a positive and highly educational part, at the same time increasing the understanding of the people of the place they visit about the beautiful country, history and culture of their homeland, their fatherland, creating a spirit of patriotism, building a strong and prosperous country, a sense of responsibility for history, national culture, national pride and awareness of environmental protection of the people.

Nghe An is a province with full advantages and potentials for tourism development. In recent years, Nghe An tourism has developed rapidly, stably and in the right direction, contributing positively to the general development of economy, culture, society and ensuring security and order in the area. However, based on the characteristics of the world and regional situation, especially Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Nghe An tourism needs to build a long-term development strategy. Diversify types and tourism products such as: eco-tourism, resorts, medical treatment, sea bathing, culture - history, nature research, high-end entertainment... while doing a good job of protecting the environment, preserving and promoting the cultural traditions of Nghe An.

Tran Dinh Ha