ecotourism | CDF Vietnam

Sustainable ecotourism.

Empowering ethnic minorities towards sustainable economic development via capacity building for local people on management of community based ecotourism

Duration: February 1, 2024 - September 31, 2024
Location: Chenh Venh Village, Huong Phung Commune, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
Donor: US Embassy in Hanoi

Beneficiaries: 50 ethnic minority villagers

Project Overview and Goals

Chenh Venh Community based tourism Project was designed with the aim of equipping 50 ethnic minority members in Chenh Venh Village with essential skills in hospitality, social media, and ecotourism. By focusing on skill-building and providing necessary infrastructure, the project seeks to create a sustainable ecotourism model that benefits the community while protecting the local environment.

Key activities

Apart from meeting with local government officials from District level and Commune level for agreement on the project implementation, CDF has delivered comprehensive training and resources that have transformed the village’s capacity to engage in community-based tourism. Here’s a breakdown of our major achievements:

1. Social Media and Marketing Training

To help Chenh Venh villagers gain visibility in the tourism market, CDF conducted two marketing workshops, teaching participants to use social media tools like Facebook and Zalo for promotional outreach. Now, a team of young locals actively manages the village’s online presence, attracting tourists to experience Chenh Venh’s cultural richness and natural beauty. A Facebook page specifically for Chenh Venh Ecotourism was created and is maintained by the community members.

2. Production of Promotional Storytelling Clips

To spotlight the unique offerings of Chenh Venh, CDF produced three video clips showcasing its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage. These videos, shared on popular travel platforms and social media pages, have already attracted significant interest and helped boost Chenh Venh’s reputation as an emerging tourist destination.

3. Promotion in potential markets

To attract customers to use the services in Chenh Venh, CDF promoted it at tourism hubs in Da Nang, Hoi An, and Phong Nha by introducing them to foreign tourists on motorbike. CDF organized networking trips to these regions to promote Chenh Venh as a destination along the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail, with a focus on motorbike tours for international visitors. These partnerships are expected to bring a steady influx of tourists, directly benefiting the local economy.

4. Provision of Essential Kitchen Equipment

An important component of the project was to enhance hospitality by equipping the village with necessary kitchen appliances. The equipment, including a coffee maker, refrigerator, and WiFi hotspot device, was provided to support quality food and beverage services for tourists. Community members received training on equipment use and maintenance, allowing them to provide improved services and experiences to visitors.

5. Training in Food Preparation and Guest Relations

Over 25 community members were trained in a range of skills, from food and drink preparation and preservation to guest communication. Training sessions also covered bilingual menu development to better serve both domestic and international guests. With these skills, the villagers of Chenh Venh are now better equipped to provide high-quality services and engage meaningfully with visitors.

6. Environmental and Financial Stewardship

CDF emphasized the importance of sustainability and financial planning by conducting workshops on revenue management, cleanliness, and environmental conservation. With their new understanding of financial management, community members are better prepared to handle income and maintain sustainable practices that ensure the area’s long-term appeal.