Remote villages that young people had abandoned in search of a better life have become valuable thanks to agritourism.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long said villages in Vietnam are becoming more worthwhile, but the matter is how to introduce them to tourists and stay ahead of trends.

Green tourism on the rise

According to Deputy PM Long, Vietnam has huge potential to develop rural tourism through highlighting local culture. The results include boosting economic restructuring, narrowing the gap between rural and urban areas, and preserving and promoting localities’ trademark characteristics.

Zoritsa Urosevic, executive director of UN Tourism, said that the best tourism villages serve as shining examples of how rural communities can overcome challenges like population decline and urban pressures.

She emphasized that agricultural and rural tourism, which celebrates local culture, values environmental sustainability, and preserves traditional practices, offers the kind of diverse and enriching experiences today's travelers are looking for.

Luong Nguyen Minh Triet, secretary of the Party Committee in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, claimed the province had realized the great potential of rural and green tourism. It has listed 125 tourist sites for rural tourism activation.

Up to 30 percent of tourists to Quang Nam have chosen agricultural and rural tourism products. Popular destinations include Tra Que Village, My Son, and Bay Mau Coconut Forest.

Tourism experts have praised Hoi An as a leading example of leveraging culture and community values to drive tourism development.

Since its recognition as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, long-time residents have observed significant transformations in the city.

UNESCO has hailed Hoi An as a model of sustainable tourism, expressing hope that it will inspire global efforts to preserve and promote heritage values.

Communities decide their future

UN Tourism experts agreed that once each member of a village decides to move forward, tourism will be a success.

It is important to take advantage of communities that promote tourism, including connecting with global organizations and programs such as UN Tourism, to help villages get on the radar of tourists, which in turn improves the lives of local residents.

Apolonia Rodrigues, president of Dark Sky in Cumeada, Portugal -- named the world’s best tourism village in 2021 -- said that the village was on the brink of being abandoned due to population decline.

She noted that the success of other top tourism villages in Turkey, Morocco, Indonesia, and China has followed a similar formula: community members contributing ideas, village leaders making decisions, and authorities supporting these efforts with policies and infrastructure.

According to Dang Quy Nhan from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, tourism development is the best way to preserve traditional cultural values.

He used Thai Hai Village in northern Thai Nguyen Province as an example of getting results from a strong community consensus. Together the village voted to preserve 40 traditional houses which were later used for tourism purposes.

Adding rural tourism to development plans

Deputy PM Long stated that Vietnam is integrating agricultural and rural development policies into major national programs.

He highlighted efforts by various localities, including Lao Cai Province in the north, Quang Nam Province in the central region, and Can Tho City in the south, which have introduced appealing tourism products.

The deputy prime minister stressed that development strategies should focus on preserving natural resources, ecosystems, and cultural heritage.

At the same time, they should promote economic growth, prioritize the well-being of local communities, and offer immersive experiences for tourists.

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