Consultation workshop on the establishment of Viet Nam – V-CBT Network

The workshop aims to discuss about the possibility of establishing a network of community-based tourism (CBT) in Viet Nam on base of analyzing the current situation of CBT in Viet Nam and proposing a specific process of establishing CBT network in Viet Nam.

In his speech, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan – Director of ITDR informed that CBT has been rapidly growing in Viet Nam – an attractive destination endowed with natural potentials and unique cultural identity. In recent years, international organizations have focused on developing CBT in Viet Nam, which has helped to foster socio-economic development and job creation for locals, raise community’s awareness of protecting tourism resources and sustainable development. He emphasized the establishment of CBT Network in Viet Nam would further expand CBT products.

According to the representative of ILO, linkage of destinations is vitally important for CBT - a form of responsible tourism. CBT Network should be established to help CBT villages develop various tourism products, expand market, attract more investors and visitors.

At the workshop, the expert of Evergreen Labs Organization proposed that for the successful operation of the network, information technology infrastructure, database, platforms of knowledge, resources, communication and e-marketing should be available. In addition, Viet Nam also should establish a CBT certification program to ensure sustainable development of CBT.

Representatives of tourism businesses and CBT villages spoke highly of the idea of establishing CBT Network in Viet Nam and expressed their willingness to participate in this network which would help them to attract investors and develop typical tourism products.