Field survey for the feasibility study for sustainable tourism in Cuc Phuong to 2030
Vietnam has a great potential to develop ecotourism and community-based tourism, especially in protected area system. Nature-based tourism and community-based tourism not only contributes to nature and biodiversity conservation and cultural preservation, but also creates alternative livelihoods, increases employment opportunities and income for local communities. Therefore, sustainable and responsible ecotourism is identified as a priority in the on Vietnam’s tourism development strategy to 2020, vision 2030.
Over the years, ecotourism has been growing rapidly in protected areas and has attracted more and more tourists’ attention. Cuc Phuong is also one of the first national parks in Vietnam that develops ecotourism as a major tourism activity in the following time. In order to support Cuc Phuong National Park to have more strategic plan for their ecotourism activities, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) conducted a study to review the tourism development in Cuc Phuong. This is a part of the feasibility research for sustainable tourism development at Cuc Phuong National Park until 2030 implemented by CCD and Save Vietnam’s Wildlife. CCD interviewed relevant stakeholders involving in tourism activities in Cuc Phuong, including local communities, local authorities, travel agencies and service suppliers to collect information and feedback on tourism in the parks and their thought on how tourism should be operated and manage in the park in the future. The findings from this study will be an important input for a comprehensive tourism planning for the park that ensure a responsible and fair tourism with inclusive involvement of stakeholders.
CCD is supporting not only Cuc Phuong National Park, but also other Nature Reserves and forest owners in planning and developing sustainable ecotourism and responsible tourism. These tourism plan will be strategically developed and well-practiced and managed to ensure high educational impact, and generate alternative livelihoods for the communities and effectively contribute in raising public awareness about nature and biodiversity conservation.