| With the positive contribution such as people income increased 10 times, poverty alleviation, improve understanding of culture and languages, infrastructure development, enhancing social awareness and traditional craft skill the eco-tourism area Trang An, dubbed as "Halong bay on land", has been a typical example of community-based tourism development. |
Located in the Northeast Delta area, Trang An Eco-tourism is a particularly attraction of culture, nature and is preparing the dossiers to submit to the UNESCO for being the world cultural heritage. This area is considered a "living museum of geology" with over 500 species of plants, 73 species of birds, 41 species of animals and 31 species of reptiles. Many traditional crafts in the area such as embroidery, pottery and stone carving are still preserved.
The department of Culture, Sport and Tourism of Ninh Binh province in collaboration with the Xuan Truong Company are planning to develop the Eco-tourism Area Trang An. The tourist area covers about 5,000 hectares, with over 1,000 boats owned by Xuan Truong Company and operated directly by the local people.
Previously, the local residents worked mainly in agriculture. When the tourism developed, many people involved in the boat rowing with the higher income. A farmer is with an average income of 300,000 VND/month (about 12 Euro) when a ferry man is with about 3,000,000 VND/month (about 117 euros), 10 times higher.
Along with income increasing, the boats rowing also contributed to the employment of the local people, reduce poverty, improve skills and enhance understanding of culture, socity and language. The locals are also educated to protect the environment, to acknowledge the importance and benefits from preserving the cultural heritage while encourage the tourists to keep the hygiene and protect the environment. People's Committee of Ninh Binh and Xuan Truong Company have plans to expand the area from 5,000 hectares to 12,000 hectares, with multiple different functional areas such as the reception area and tourists guidelines, MICE center. The new tourists routes are being expanded. The eco-tourism area Trang An is an impressive tourist destination of Vietnam and especially a clear evidence of benefits to the local community. To maintain the positive impact in the future, there need to be a high management responsibility with the participation of the local community.
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