Cultural tourism in Gia Lai: Preserve tradition, increase income!

Cultural tourism in Gia Lai: Preserve tradition, increase income!

More and more people are becoming interested in the power of cultural tourism. We are currently reporting on impressive developments in Gia Lai Province, where Ms. Ro Cham H’Phik, Secretary of the Party Committee of Ia Khuol Municipality, explains the positive effects of cultural tourism. This approach is supported by the National Target Program for Socioeconomic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountain Areas for 2021-2030. Aimed at promoting economic development, social security and sustainable poverty reduction, the program has already borne fruit - the poverty rate in Gia Lai has fallen by more than 2%.

Infrastructure investments, such as connecting roads and residential streets, have been completed and there is also progress in the education sector. Thanks to targeted investments in boarding schools, education for the younger generations is being improved. In addition, ethnic minorities in Regions 2 and 3 receive 100% health insurance, which noticeably increases health care.

Challenges and opportunities

But despite these positive developments, those responsible are facing challenges. In particular, capital allocation and the transition phase to two-tier local self-government pose difficulties. The merger of municipalities and the fair distribution of funding are also complex issues that need to be resolved. In order to achieve fundamental changes, educational work is also being carried out to change the production mentality of the population.

A new focus is on the development of ecotourism and community tourism as sustainable approaches to improving the quality of life. Gia Lai offers good conditions here: the region has excellent air quality and is home to 44 ethnic minorities with distinctive cultural traditions. In addition, the natural beauty with waterfalls, streams, lakes and forests are impressive attractions for tourists.

The role of cultural tourism

But what makes cultural tourism so important overall? According to CORDIS, it contributes to the preservation and protection of cultural heritage while stimulating the local economy. Cultural travelers spend 38% more and extend their stay at destinations by an average of 22%. Cultural tourism accounts for almost 40% of the total tourism industry and predicts further growth, especially in Europe. This reflects a growing interest in authentic experiences and local traditions.

However, growth also brings challenges. The increasing popularity raises the risk of mass tourism, which results in overcrowding, noise and environmental pollution. Here, cooperation with local communities is essential to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive effects. Approaches such as circular tourism could help to travel in an environmentally friendly way and strengthen social cohesion.

There is growing awareness of the impact of tourism on the environment and local communities. According to Travellus, local people play a central role in sustainable tourism: creating jobs, supporting local economies and conserving both natural and cultural resources. The integration of local cultures not only increases the attractiveness of travel destinations, but also ensures diversity that takes cultural heritage into account.

Community-based initiatives are needed to promote the positive effects of tourism. Activated local communities can not only generate income through involvement in tourism, but also preserve and pass on their culture. This is the key to tourism that is both environmentally and socially sustainable.

Overall, it shows that cultural tourism not only represents an economic opportunity, but also makes an important contribution to the preservation and appreciation of local cultural significance and traditions.