Vietnam’s Agricultural Tourism Has Untapped Potential, Awaiting Right Policies
Rural and agricultural tourism poised to grow but needs attention and strategic development
Vietnam, with its thriving agricultural sector, holds vast potential for developing rural and agricultural tourism. However, experts agree that the sector has yet to receive adequate attention and suitable policies to fully realize its opportunities. Despite this, rural tourism, which includes activities like farm tourism, craft village tours, and eco-tourism, is becoming increasingly popular. This type of tourism aligns well with Vietnam's large agricultural landscape and rural population, where over 62.7% of people live in rural areas.
Tourism expert Nguyen Quang Dang of the Institute for Tourism Development Research explained that rural tourism combines cultural experiences with nature, allowing visitors to engage in activities such as fishing, tea picking, and rice grinding. These hands-on experiences provide meaningful, immersive travel opportunities. The Prime Minister's program for rural tourism development from 2021–2025 highlights rural tourism as a key part of the national strategy to modernize rural areas. By improving infrastructure and supporting local products, rural tourism can boost local economies, increase household incomes, and enhance quality of life in rural communities.
Dr. Pham Huong Trang, a tourism lecturer at RMIT University, emphasized the importance of local community involvement in agritourism. She stressed that local people, as custodians of cultural and agricultural heritage, play a vital role in sharing these values with tourists. For agritourism to thrive, Trang advocates for integrating the "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) program with community-based tourism and developing comprehensive plans for each site based on its natural and cultural resources. A coordinated approach between localities, along with effective communication and promotion, could greatly enhance the appeal of rural tourist destinations in Vietnam.
---
Tourism expert Nguyen Quang Dang of the Institute for Tourism Development Research explained that rural tourism combines cultural experiences with nature, allowing visitors to engage in activities such as fishing, tea picking, and rice grinding. These hands-on experiences provide meaningful, immersive travel opportunities. The Prime Minister's program for rural tourism development from 2021–2025 highlights rural tourism as a key part of the national strategy to modernize rural areas. By improving infrastructure and supporting local products, rural tourism can boost local economies, increase household incomes, and enhance quality of life in rural communities.
Dr. Pham Huong Trang, a tourism lecturer at RMIT University, emphasized the importance of local community involvement in agritourism. She stressed that local people, as custodians of cultural and agricultural heritage, play a vital role in sharing these values with tourists. For agritourism to thrive, Trang advocates for integrating the "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) program with community-based tourism and developing comprehensive plans for each site based on its natural and cultural resources. A coordinated approach between localities, along with effective communication and promotion, could greatly enhance the appeal of rural tourist destinations in Vietnam.
---
