(VOVWORLD) - Ecotourism, which is based on nature and indigenous culture in combination with environmental education, is becoming increasingly popular with both domestic and foreign tourists. With a lot of potential for ecotourism development, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province has been working on incentives and solutions to develop ecotourism with maximal community benefits.
At Bung Bac eco-tourism site in Ba Ria-Vung Tau (Photo: bariavungtautourism.com.vn)
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Ba Ria-Vung Tau has a 300km coastline, sandy beaches, a crystal blue sea, and old-growth forests, all of which give the province potential to develop ecotourism.
In recent years, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has identified a number of ecotourism spots that offer relaxation and harmony with nature. Exploration of aquaculture areas and mangrove forests has been combined with tours of traditional craft villages.
Investment has been made in eco-tourism farms that feature stilt houses under tree canopies, says Bui Van Thang, owner of Green Farm in Chau Doc district.
He added, “We have cooperated with other farms to create a diverse complex for visitors to experience various tourism products and services. We’ve linked with local farmers, major farms, and relevant agencies to develop new tours. Festivals and other are organized monthly to attract tourists.”
Touring, taking photos, and enjoying fresh fruits at local orchards are highlights of visiting Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Tourists are shown how fruit trees are grown and cared for. Farms that raise chickens, porcupines, black pigs, rabbits, and Phu Quoc ridgeback dogs offer tourists hands-on experience in farm activities.
Nguyen Thu Hue, a visitor from HCMC, told VOV, “I’m very surprised there are so many eco-gardens in Ba Ria-Vung Tau. The atmosphere is fresh, helping us feel close to nature.”
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 At Vuong Huy safe vegetable farm in Chau Duc district (Photo: baobariavungtau.com.vn)
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Although agricultural tourism and rural advantages in Ba Ria-Vung Tau have brought benefits, the model is still developing. Local tourism providers don’t have the skills to serve tourists professionally. There is a lack of collaboration between individuals, businesses, and tourism managers in creating new products.
The province’s tourism sector plans to tap the natural potential, invest in eco-tourism zones, and improve service to attract more domestic and foreign tourists.
Trinh Hang, Director of the provincial Tourism Department, said, “We’re encouraging the provincial People's Committee to hire marketing experts to train and improve the marketing skills of all tourism businesses, especially household businesses, so that they can improve their services.”
To develop ecotourism sustainably, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has coordinated government policies, government management, and local communities and tourists.
In addition to outlining post-COVID-19 recovery scenarios, the provincial tourism sector continues to promote domestic tourism stimulus programs by linking businesses, hotels, travel agents, and transportation companies to design new products focused on ecotourism.