Taking advantage of heritage to develop the industry

In Hoa Lu district, there are 5 communes in the core and buffer zones of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, including: Ninh Xuan, Ninh Hai, Truong Yen, Ninh Hoa and Ninh Thang. Promoting the potential and advantages of the heritage, many industries have been maintained and developed, creating stable jobs and increasing income for many workers in the localities.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, Head of the Women's Association of Van Lam Village (Ninh Hai Commune) shared: I have been a boatman at Tam Coc-Bich Dong Tourist Area for more than 20 years. Previously, each house would pick up passengers based on the boat number. However, it was not possible to have a regular daily job, there would be a trip every few days.

Since Trang An was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage, more domestic and international tourists have come to visit, the work of the boatmen has become busier, providing better and more stable income. Not only do they have a job and a stable income from being a boatman, Ms. Thanh and many other women at Tam Coc wharf also gain more knowledge and skills from this job.

By taking tourists on sightseeing trips, the boatman is considered a tour guide to introduce tourists to the beautiful landscapes of his homeland. The boatman also learns English and French to be able to communicate easily with foreign tourists…

To better serve local tourism activities, the Van Lam Women's Association also takes advantage of free evenings to practice performing arts such as Cheo singing and folk songs to perform every weekend for tourists who want to enjoy traditional arts. The Van Lam Women's Association has more than 500 members out of a total of 700 members participating in boat driving at Tam Coc wharf, tourism activities have brought many changes in the lives of female members here.

At Minh Trang Embroidery Company Limited, more than 50 workers at the factory are always working hard at the embroidery frame to produce traditional lace embroidery products that attract domestic and foreign customers.

Ms. Trinh Thi Hang, Dam Khe Ngoai village, Ninh Hai commune, shared: Lace embroidery is a traditional craft of my hometown, and also a "father-to-son" craft of my family. Ever since I was a child, witnessing my grandmother and mother skillfully working with needles, completing beautiful embroidery products, especially embroidery products of the homeland's landscapes, I was fascinated and learned to do the job. Up to now, I have been attached to the lace embroidery profession for 16 years.

I work at Minh Trang Embroidery Company, witnessing the development steps as well as the ups and downs that the company has gone through, to today still stand firm in the market, which further urges craftsmen like us to try to preserve and promote the value of traditional craft villages, effectively serving tourism development.

Along with other professions, tourism service businesses in the 5 core and buffer zones of the heritage such as accommodation, food and beverage, etc. also have opportunities to develop.

Tung Dung Restaurant, Khe Thuong Village, Ninh Xuan Commune is a familiar dining address for many tourists when coming to Ninh Binh. Mr. Luu Ba Tung, the restaurant owner, said: As a local resident with the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Trang An, we have more conditions to develop our family economy . Thanks to the advantage of being located near famous tourist areas and spots such as: Trang An, Bai Dinh, Tam Coc-Bich Dong..., the restaurant has welcomed many groups of guests from provinces and cities across the country, foreign guests to enjoy the countryside cuisine. We are determined to ensure food safety in all stages, improve the spirit and attitude of reception to best serve the culinary needs of tourists, contributing to helping tourists have a meaningful trip...

According to the assessment of UNESCO experts, the work of preserving and exploiting the values of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and developing tourism in Ninh Binh has been relatively well balanced, ensuring the harmony of interests of the state, people and businesses. The heritage has been and is truly bringing benefits and is increasingly becoming closely associated with the lives of local people.

With the policy and strategy of sustainable tourism development associated with ensuring livelihoods for people, the face of many localities in the heritage area has changed, transforming the economic structure from agriculture to tourism services. Many traditional crafts have been restored, many new occupations and new livelihoods have been created such as: tour guides, accommodation and food service businesses, souvenir services, traditional art performances, etc., contributing to bringing jobs and stable and regular income to tens of thousands of local workers.

Article and photos: Ly Nhan

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