(TITC) – On 16th November 2022, in Ha Noi, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) organized workshop on “Initiatives and direction for the participation of local communities and private sector in tourism development”, connecting online with ASEAN countries.
It is a chance for ASEAN member countries to update and sharing information of implementing action plan of Strategy on the participation of local communities and private sector in tourism development.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Pham Van Thuy, VNAT’s Vice Chairman, said that this is a meaningful activity, aiming to strengthen connections, exchange information, identify implementation methods and initiatives to increase participation of the local communities and the private sector in tourism development. Especially tourism industry is increasing the attraction of international visitors, recovering and developing tourism in the new context.
In Vietnam, strengthening the participation of the communities and the private sector in tourism development in localities has also had some positive results. Some destinations and communities have mastered in taking advantage of their strengths and promoting local natural and cultural values. However, there is lack of policy, implementing method, harmonious sharing of benefits among communities and businesses, connecting between the stakeholders.
Representative of ADB informed its GMS-VIE sustainable tourism developing projects (STDP) and GMS-VIE tourism infrastructure for inclusive growth in some Vietnam’s provinces. The typical projects are supporting to CBT in Pac Ngoi village (Bac Kan Province) with CBT benefits distribution to all Pac Ngoi village community, supporting for Chay Lap CBT groups (Quang Binh Province). ADB’s future project will focus on Lao Cai and Hoa Binh provinces.
Ms.Jessie F.McComb from World Bank showed private sector barriers to growth, government support for private sector including MSME to growth. Expert from ILO shared the typology of participation and examples in Vietnam like Bho Hoong Village in Quang Nam Province.
Presenting online, representatives of Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Laos updated implementing action plan of Strategy on the participation of local communities and private sector in tourism development. The information will be collect to annual report in the meeting of ASEAN Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development Committee.
At the workshop, Vietnam Community Tourism Chapter (VCTC), CBT communities in Go Co village (Quang Ngai Province), Ngoc Chien (Son La Province), Mang Den (Kon Tum Province), and Thai Hai (Thai Nguyen Province) shared experience of CBT development and propose to sustainable tourism development.
“Vietnam believes that with high unity and cooperation for a common purpose towards sustainable ASEAN tourism development, member countries will contribute to the rapid recovery and development of ASEAN tourism”, Mr. Pham Van Thuy concluded.
In recently, ASEAN member states has implemented the “Strategy on the participation of local communities and private sector in tourism development” through assist the communities/private sector by providing them financial, cognitive and managerial, organize certified training courses/seminars for leadership and technical tourism courses. ASEAN countries also develop databases on markets, products, services of the communities/private sector at the destination. Enhance cooperation with the participation of local community/private sector and other enterprises in product development; encourage economic sharing model in local community/private sector.
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