Can Tho focuses on developing green tourism

Tourists visit the organic agricultural tourism model at Bao Gia Farm Camping.

Resolution No. 82/NQ-CP dated May 18, 2023 of the Government on key tasks and solutions to accelerate recovery and accelerate effective and sustainable tourism development clearly identifies the development of an action program for green tourism and sustainable tourism associated with environmental protection and response to climate change; at the same time, diversifying tourism types in the direction of enhancing product lines already present in Vietnam; promoting strengths, advantages, and development space such as green tourism, agricultural tourism, exploring and experiencing natural and cultural heritages.

In Can Tho , green tourism has been focused on for many years with diverse products and models. In particular, the model of the Con Son Agricultural Tourism Cooperative stands out. Mr. Ly Van Bon, Deputy Director of the Con Son Agricultural Tourism Cooperative, owner of the Bay Bon fish raft, shared: "We do tourism from local resources, based on fish and fruit trees around the house; so we also determined to do something to protect this resource." Accordingly, at the Bay Bon fish raft, in addition to the fish farming areas for visitors to experience and learn about fish species in the Hau River, there are also fish conservation areas. Fish in this area are released naturally and maintenance costs are partly deducted from visitors' entrance fees. That is also the reason why the Con Son Agricultural Tourism Cooperative was granted a co-management decision by the locality in protecting aquatic resources.

Le Thi Hong Diem, tour guide of the Con Son Agricultural Tourism Cooperative, said: “When guiding visitors to Con Son, we not only share the highlights of the local people's community tourism practices but also call on visitors to take action for the environment. For example, when catching fish in ditches, we always recommend that visitors release small fish back into the natural environment.” For the people of Con Son, doing tourism is also protecting the environment.

Visitors experience at Ngoc Dao Goat Milk Farm.

The agricultural tourism model of Ngoc Dao Goat Dairy Farm is built in a clean and quality direction. Mr. Nguyen Van Dua, owner of Ngoc Dao Goat Dairy Farm, said: "The food source for goats is grass grown in the backyard. In addition, there are by-products of soybean pulp taken from local tofu and young corn factories." Mr. Dua's family also collects straw from rice crops and ferments it, about 3-4 months before feeding it to goats. The ingredients for goats are all controlled to provide clean, quality milk. When visiting Ngoc Dao Goat Dairy Farm, visitors will see how to take care of goats, feed them, milk them, etc., thereby understanding the breeding processes and raw materials of goat milk products.

Meanwhile, at Bao Gia Farm Camping, there is also a circular organic agricultural experience model. There are closed livestock, vegetable and fruit growing areas, creating clean products with diverse experiences for visitors.

Can Tho green tourism is quite diverse with many products that promote the value of local resources. For example, experiences at Cu Lao Dung not only create livelihoods for people but also contribute to forest protection. Besides sightseeing and experiencing livelihood activities under the forest canopy, visitors can participate in the process of planting protective forests here.

In Can Tho, there is also a unique green tourism model with experiences of recycling waste at Mekong Silt Ecolodge. Ms. Huynh Thi Bich Tuyen, owner of Mekong Silt Ecolodge, said: "When we see waste from tourism activities, we think of ways to turn them into valuable products, limiting harm to the environment. This also brings diverse experiences to tourists, spreading the message of environmental protection." Accordingly, tourists will have experiences such as participating in workshops on making soap, dishwashing liquid, floor cleaner... or making fertilizer and pesticides from organic waste. Especially, enjoying "sustainable meals" with processing methods that make the most of the ingredients to make dishes. For example, the leftovers of lemongrass, eggplant or vegetables can be used to make sauces to serve with other dishes.

Tourists coming to Can Tho to stay at Victoria Can Tho, Cantho Eco Resort, Vam Xang Rustic, Can Tho Ecolodge... will notice that these places limit plastic waste by using environmentally friendly materials in decoration and serving items for tourists. Victoria Can Tho has won awards for Energy Efficient Building, ASEAN Green Label (ASEAN Green Hotel Standard of ASEAN Community), Gold Certificate for Sustainable Tourism by Travelife (Travelife is an international sustainability certification program in the tourism sector managed by ABTA - Association of British Travel Agents and ANVR - Association of Dutch Travel Agents); or Can Tho Ecolodge won the ASEAN Green Hotel award...

It can be seen that destinations and accommodations in Can Tho proactively develop green tourism, responsible for the environment. This is an advantage for Can Tho in the orientation of tourism development, positioning the local green tourism brand. In the long term, the city's tourism industry has a strategy to build a green tourism ecosystem with specific rules, forming common identification standards to develop the green tourism value chain. Early positioning of the local green tourism brand identity will contribute to creating core values of competitiveness and brand for destinations and accommodations when integrating and connecting with the international market.

Article and photos: AI LAM

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/can-tho-tap-trung-phat-trien-du-lich-xanh-a190769.html