On May 10th, the Australian Embassy in Vietnam and the Project Management Consultant for the project promoting gender equality through improving the economic efficiency of agricultural production and tourism development in Son La province, phase 2 (GREAT Project), collaborated with the Department of Planning and Investment to organize a workshop to share the results of a survey on the current state of tourism in Son La province.
Attending the workshop were Ms. Cherie Anne Russell, Development Cooperation Counsellor, Australian Embassy in Vietnam; the GREAT 2 Project Management Consulting contractor; representatives from several provincial departments and agencies; the Provincial Tourism Association; the People's Committees of districts and cities; and representatives of typical businesses and cooperatives operating in the tourism sector in the area.
Workshop to share the results of the survey on the current state of tourism in Son La province – GREAT Project.
At the workshop, representatives of the GREAT Project presented an overview of the results achieved in Phase 1 of the GREAT Project; and the objectives and roadmap for Phase 2. Accordingly, Phase 1 of the GREAT Project in Son La (2017 - 2022), together with its partners, applied many innovative solutions to build and develop market systems in the agricultural and tourism sectors, aiming to increase the economic empowerment of women, especially ethnic minority women.
Delegates attending the workshop.
Based on the survey results of the GREAT 2 Project Management Consulting contractor regarding destinations in Son La for domestic and international tourists, it was found that most tourists visit Moc Chau, while the number of international tourists is still relatively low. The consulting contractor proposed the following priorities for the Project: Developing infrastructure to make the surrounding districts and areas more accessible; improving the quality and diversity of accommodation to enhance the tourism experience; developing environmentally friendly adventure tourism (trekking, cycling, etc.) to attract various tourist segments; and focusing on preserving Son La's culture.
Ms. Cherie Anne Russell, Development Cooperation Counsellor, Australian Embassy in Vietnam, spoke at the workshop.
Delegates shared and discussed the current state of tourism in Son La province, focusing on the following issues: priorities for the next 15 months and the overall plan for the GREAT Project Phase 2, to serve as a basis for implementation, including: expanding opportunities for cultural tourism, developing local infrastructure; investing in improving human resources for tourism; and improving the quality of services and accommodation. Delegates also hoped that the recommendations and proposals from the workshop would be compiled by the GREAT Project to serve as a basis for the effective implementation of GREAT Project Phase 2.
Representatives from the GREAT 2 Project Management Consulting contractor presented a summary of the survey on the current state of tourism in Son La.
In the second phase of the GREAT project, Son La's tourism industry aims to continue receiving support, sharing experiences, and collaborating to achieve mutual success. By leveraging its tourism potential and advantages, the province seeks to create unique, distinctive, and professional tourism products. This initiative will contribute to job creation, increased income, and sustainable poverty reduction for ethnic minority people in Son La, particularly empowering ethnic minority women.
Minh Thu