CONSULTATION MEETING ON THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR SPECIAL-USE FORESTS IN THUA THIEN HUE
On September 15, 2023, representatives of Hue city hosted a provincial consultation meeting on the tourism development plan in Bach Ma National Park, Phong Dien Nature Reserve, Sao La Nature Reserve for the 2023 – 2030 period. Contributing to the finalization of the plan, the event gathered Department of Forestry representatives, Agriculture and Rural Development departments, Tourism departments, and many representatives from companies, provinces, tourism associations, travel agencies in Vietnam.
Tourism in special-use forests in Vietnam has developing potentials but some are obstructed with issues in planning, management, and harnessing. By not utilizing tourism for environmental education, raising awareness of the public for the ultimate benefit of nature, protected areas are missing a sustainable income. Addressing the underuse of tourism, tourism development plans, with an intelligible vision and comprehensive strategy, will support protected areas in propagandizing its unique features, accelerating tourist traffic, and generating income for better management, forest protection, biodiversity conservation,…
In the meeting, experts and delegates shared initiatives and comments to strengthen ecotourism in 3 sites with strategic and effective methods, tackled issues in planning, land use, building infrastructure for tourism development as well as mobilizing resources, considering the challenges and competitive status of Thua Thien Hue in the sector.
The key solution for tourism development in protected areas of Thua Thien Hue is encouraging investments from the private sector to develop infrastructure and connect tourism destinations, thus attracting tourists. In addition, tourism activities must be strictly managed to not create a negative impact to the natural cycles of wildlife in those sites. Substantially, tourism development needs a vision of professionalism, equity, sustainability, and responsibility.
With the efforts and determination of the government, management boards, investors and communities, ecotourism activities will soon be developed effectively, contributing to raising public awareness of the importance of forest ecosystems, biodiversity values, and sustainable revenue generation for forest owners and communities through quality and responsible tourism products.