Nghe An promotes strengths in agricultural and rural tourism

Nowadays, many countries have identified agricultural and rural tourism as the most developed sector in the ecotourism industry. Italy, Spain, the US, etc. are the leading countries in developing this type of tourism. Agricultural and rural tourism helps turn agricultural products and rural cultural identity into tourism resources.

French tourists excitedly explore the beauty of the tea island in Thanh An commune (Thanh Chuong). Photo: Dinh Tuyen

In recent times, agricultural and rural tourism has flourished and there are many models attracting domestic and foreign tourists. According to incomplete statistics, the country has over 500 agricultural and rural tourism models operating in all regions from the Northwest to the Central Highlands, the Central, the East, and the Southwest.

Many villages through tourism activities become dynamic, creating many jobs, reducing social evils, making the countryside green, clean, beautiful, arousing love for nature, love for agriculture, love for banyan trees, water wharves, etc. The rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see, terraced rice fields, orange gardens, ripe lychees, fields of blooming sunflowers, rivers, waterfalls, streams murmuring day and night... bring tourists many interesting experiences and relaxation.

The rice fields of Hanh Dich commune are about 15km from the center of Que Phong district. In the fall, the rice fields are heavy with yellow on the terraced fields like golden silk ribbons, making the scenery of this border commune dreamy, the most beautiful of the year. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Nghe An is a province with great potential for development.rural tourismbecause it has large ecological areas, many beautiful landscapes bestowed by nature, many agricultural models that have been painstakingly built by farmers of different ethnic groups. This is also a locality with long-standing occupations of growing oranges, tea, cinnamon, aquaculture, fishing, etc., with vast forests of po mu, sang le, and nua mem, with poetic waterfalls such as Sao Va, Bay Tang, Khe Kem, etc., with Thai villages with beautiful ancient stilt houses, etc. If properly invested and planned, they will be attractive destinations for tourists.

However, agricultural and rural tourism still faces many difficulties and limitations. Some models and destinations are still spontaneous, and promotion, connection and consultation activities are not well-oriented. Planning, mechanisms and policies have not received due attention from authorities at all levels and sectors.

Delegation from the General Department of Tourism experienced the production process of Nam Dan specialty soy sauce, December 2020. Photo: Tuong Anh

In order for agricultural and rural tourism to develop in the coming time, all levels and sectors need to pay attention to synchronous investment in all aspects. First of all, it is necessary to strongly change awareness to attach importance to and include agricultural and rural tourism in the tourism program to widely promote it, contributing to enriching Nghe An tourism on the tourism map of Vietnam and the region.

In addition, it is necessary to invest in opening short-term training courses, consulting, and coaching for owners of households and businesses doing business in agricultural and rural tourism in districts, cities, and towns, especially in localities with potential to develop this type. Quickly build and supplement a systematic agricultural and rural tourism plan in the overall tourism plan of the province.

Planning for agricultural and rural tourismIt is necessary to promote the potential, strengths, landscapes, customs, practices, crafts, and cultures of ethnic groups in the province. Conduct surveys of existing models and encourage households and businesses to invest in building new models to attract tourists; form and scientifically organize tours and tourist routes in the province.

Destinations such as Thanh An tea island (Thanh Chuong), Hon Mat (Nghia Dan), Lam Khang tourist area (Que Phong), Muong Long peach and plum gardens (Ky Son), Hoa Tien ancient Thai village (Quy Chau), Xieng village, Khe Ran (Con Cuong), etc. need to be supplemented, invested in infrastructure, and have services to attract more tourists. Pay attention to collecting legends, songs, and dances of the Thai, Mong, O Du, Muong, Kho Mu, etc. ethnic groups in the West to exploit and introduce.

Experience traditional brocade weaving of the Thai people at the community tourism site of Xieng village, Mon Son commune (Con Cuong). Photo: Xuan Nhuong

It is necessary to change the way of promoting and promoting the province's program on promoting agricultural and rural tourism. Each agricultural and rural tourism destination creates its own mark to arouse the support and solidarity of the community in tourism activities. Further promote the connection between agricultural and rural tourism communities and travel and tourism businesses. Link agricultural and rural tourism with the development, propaganda and promotion of local agricultural products, medicinal herbs, products, handicrafts, unique dishes of each region, ethnic minorities, etc.

The province and districts, cities and towns need to continue to remove difficulties and obstacles in mechanisms and policies, creating the best environment for agricultural and rural tourism to develop, especially land policies, attracting investment in tourism. Strengthen state management of tourism such as planning management, environment, infrastructure, security and order, etc.

Tourists come to enjoy the flower fields in Nghia Dan district. Photo: Nguyen Sach

With the strong determination of the entire political system and the strong participation of the business community and each citizen, tourism in general and agricultural and rural tourism in particular of the province will certainly have rapid, effective and sustainable development in the coming time.