Key Solutions to Promote Ecotourism Development in Ninh Binh

Fourth, integrate tourism into the planning process. Tourism must be considered an important part of the province's economic structure, so it must be focused on planning and investment.

Fifth, support the local economy where ecotourism develops, because support ensures the conservation of biodiversity, the preservation of local culture and ensures sustainable development.

Sixth, encouraging the participation of local communities is both the goal and the content of eco-tourism.

Seventh, consult the public and relevant parties when investing in developing ecotourism in a specific location. Those opinions will contribute to the development of ecotourism in accordance with its principles while ensuring the interests of different parties.

Eight, train human resources because human resources are an important factor ensuring the sustainable development of eco-tourism.

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Nine, responsible tourism marketing, not over-exaggerating the natural and human resources of tourist destinations, marketing must make tourists and tourism organizations and individuals clearly understand eco-tourism and its meaning.

Tenth, continue to research and monitor, research natural resources, human resources of eco-tourism sites and monitor business activities and consumption activities of eco-tourism products by tourists.

Four main requirements for developing DLST products:

Firstly, it is necessary to ensure the existence of typical natural ecosystems with high biodiversity. That is, ecotourism activities are always associated with nature reserves, especially in national parks.

Second, the tour guide, in addition to good communication skills (cultural and language), must be knowledgeable about natural ecological characteristics and indigenous culture.

Third, ecotourism operators must be principled and must collaborate with managers of nature reserves and local communities with the aim of contributing to the long-term protection of the area's natural and cultural values, improving lives and enhancing common understanding between local people and tourists.

Fourth, ecotourism development must strictly comply with regulations on carrying capacity. Carrying capacity includes four aspects: physical capacity, biological capacity, psychological capacity and socio-cultural capacity.

3.2. MAIN SOLUTIONS TO PROMOTE ECO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN NINH BINH

3.2.1. Consolidate existing eco-tourism areas and develop new eco-tourism products

From the current situation of resources and facilities as well as the existing conditions of ecotourism in Ninh Binh province, I would like to propose the following orientations according to the space for ecotourism development in Ninh Binh: Ninh Binh ecotourism should be divided into seven main tourism clusters for investment and investment guidance to suit the landscape, environment and specific conditions to create suitable tourist routes for tourists.

* Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Trang An Cave and Hoa Lu ancient capital tour:

This is the most valuable tourist cluster for the development of Ninh Binh tourism. In terms of space, the tourist cluster is relatively concentrated, with the center being Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Trang An. Currently, these tourist destinations are separate from each other, but in the near future, when the Trang An cave eco-tourism area is completed, these destinations will have close connections with each other to increase the length of stay of tourists, this will be the leading tourist area of Ninh Binh. The tourism resources of this tourist area are relatively diverse and unique. In terms of natural resources, it is the karst cave system with many beautiful caves, waterways and spectacular natural landscapes. In terms of human resources, it is a series of valuable relics associated with the ancient capital of Hoa Lu - where the procedures to propose UNESCO to recognize it as a world cultural heritage are being promoted.

- Typical tourism products: Festival culture, beliefs; visiting and studying historical relics of Dinh - Le dynasties; Visiting karst caves, mountain climbing, walking in the forest, visiting craft villages, and sports tourism (After Gia Sinh golf course project is completed and put into operation)

- Ability to attract tourists: Before 2006, tourists to Ninh Binh mainly concentrated in this cluster. After 2006, the number of tourists increased but the proportion of

The number of visitors to Ninh Binh may decrease slightly compared to the total number of visitors, but still accounts for 70 - 80%.

In addition to strengthening existing tourism products, it is necessary to focus on developing eco-tourism products in Dong Long valley with an area of 20 hectares and Bai Tien with an area of 45 hectares because these two places have many potential values to attract eco-tourism visitors with large areas and large capacity in terms of physics, biology and socio-culture.

* Cuc Phuong - Ky Phu - Dong Chuong Lake National Forest Cluster:

- This cluster stretches across Nho Quan district, the core of this cluster is the Cuc Phuong national forest tourist site and the newly discovered Ky Phu mineral spring. The cluster's tourism resources are mainly primary forest resources and mineral springs.

- Typical products: Visiting and researching primeval forests; mountain climbing; resort; mineral spring treatment.

- Ability to attract visitors: before 2007, visitors to this cluster mainly came to Cuc Phuong and Ky Phu mineral spring; After 2007, Cuc Phuong, Ky Phu and Dong Chuong lake all attracted visitors when the investment in building tourism service infrastructure in Ky Phu bathing area was completed. The planning and completion of the construction of Dong Chuong Lake eco-tourism area included a system of motels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and sports service facilities such as windsurfing, boat racing, and water parks.

- Development phases: After completing the investment in building Dong Chuong Lake eco-tourism area and completing Ky Phu mineral water area, it is necessary to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to have a direction for higher-level exploitation investment in Cuc Phuong.

* Phat Diem stone church cluster and alluvial land and mangrove forest of Con Thoi:

- This cluster is located entirely in Kim Son district. Phat Diem stone church is currently the core of this cluster. In the future, when Con Thoi is invested to become a tourist destination connecting with Hon Ne, it will have great attraction for tourists, starting from Phat Diem town. The cluster's tourism resources are also diverse and very unique. In terms of human resources, they are Phat Diem church, Nguyen Cong Tru temple, some temples, pagodas, festivals and traditional sedge weaving villages. The main natural tourism resources are Con Thoi and Hon Ne alluvial plains, bird gardens, sea tourism and Con Thoi beach, which are resources that can organize unique types of resort tourism that attract visitors from all over the world.

- Typical products: Cultural beliefs, visiting traditional craft villages, visiting and researching mangrove forests and orchards, hunting, marine research and bird garden research during the migratory bird season.

- Ability to attract tourists: Before 2006, visitors focused on visiting the stone church; after 2008, visitors will come to Phat Diem and Con Thoi and the sea, alluvial land...

- Development phases: Before 2007, exploit the Phat Diem church tourist site; after 2007, invest in Con Thoi to turn this place into a sightseeing, research, sports, hunting and sea tourism site.

* Kenh Ga hot mineral spring cluster - Van Trinh cave - Van Long conservation area - Dich Long pagoda:

- This cluster is located in Gia Vien district. This is an attractive tourist route and can be exploited by combining sightseeing, research, sports and relaxation. The tourism resources in this area are also very diverse in both human and natural resources. Especially Van Long area with the largest population of Delacour's langur in Vietnam and a rich and diverse flora and fauna along with eco-villages being planned and invested in construction in the buffer zone of Van Long.

- Main tourism products: Visiting and researching natural caves, mountain climbing, researching flora and fauna and beliefs, and healing with hot mineral water.

- Ability to attract visitors: Before 2006, the number of visitors to this area was not much, mainly concentrated in the Van Long area. After 2006, after completing the investment in building the infrastructure of the Van Long area and the buffer zone eco-villages and the Kenh Ga mineral spring area, this will be a very attractive tourist area.

- Development phases: before 2007, urgently complete the planning and investment in infrastructure construction, then continue to invest, promote and exploit at a higher level. If the planning is specific, timely and implemented early, the ecotourism products created from these tourist destinations will be linked together to form an ideal all-inclusive ecotourism program for visitors to Ninh Binh. With a particularly diverse ecosystem characterized by wetland ecosystems, combined with Van Long, a legendary land associated with the history of the nation since the early days of nation building.

* Dong Thai - Doong Den lake cluster - Tam Diep - Bien Son defense line and Tam Diep town:

With a large area located in two localities, Yen Mo district and Tam Diep town, with the core area for investment in infrastructure construction, motels and related services being the Dong Thai - Doong Den lake area with an area of about 1,900 hectares and a natural forest area of 1,527 hectares, it is an area planned and protected for forests and wild animals such as monkeys, pythons, snakes, storks, cuckoos, kingfishers, etc. Fruit trees and industrial trees of high economic value mixed with vegetation, ornamental plants such as peaches, longans, persimmons, etc. along with the Tam Diep defense system, Tam Diep pass, (Ba Doi), and Tam Diep town, farms of Tam Diep town.

Tourism products: Boat racing, windsurfing, kayaking, mountain climbing, resorts, medical treatment, visiting traditional craft villages.

Ability to attract visitors: Currently, the number of visitors to this tourist cluster is not much due to lack of investment in construction and promotion, but if planned and invested in scientifically, this will be an eco-tourism area associated with history - culture, entertainment services, sports and weekend resorts with high quality, which will certainly attract many tourists, especially international tourists.

Development phase: Currently, this is a tourist cluster with a lot of development potential, so many units and individuals want to invest in exploitation. However, tourism management agencies are very cautious in approving planning and selecting investment partners.

Developing this tourist area is a highlight for Ninh Binh's eco-tourism. It can be said that this is a multi-functional tourist area and creates for visitors a lively and attractive program with many different forms and activities. With a large area located in two localities of Ninh Binh, Yen Mo district and Tam Diep town, with the core area investing in building a tourist center, infrastructure, motels and services is the area.

Building typical DLST routes:

The typical ecotourism route of Ninh Binh is: Kenh Ga - Van Trinh cave - Van Long conservation area - Cuc Phuong national park. This ecotourism route is based on four main pillars: the communication center of Cuc Phuong national park, the trail system of Cuc Phuong national park and Van Long conservation area, along with ecotourism guides from Ninh Binh and services, goods and services bearing the identity of Hoa Lu ancient capital. The main activities on

This route is a walking trail in the forest, visiting and researching the primeval forest, viewing rare flora and fauna in Cuc Phuong National Park, Van Long Nature Reserve, riding a buffalo cart on Van Long dike, boating on Hoang Long River and Kenh Ga Lagoon, bathing in Kenh Ga mineral water, visiting Van Trinh Cave, climbing Van Long Mountain, visiting Khanh village of Muong ethnic group located in the North of Cuc Phuong National Park. All these activities must create attraction for tourists to actively participate. That means service activities must ensure uniqueness and distinctiveness. On the one hand, it helps tourists have experiences in ecological environmental conditions. On the other hand, tourists practice playing the role of local people at the tourist destination through intimate and comfortable communication with residents and tourism service staff. In eco-tourism, knowledge of natural ecosystems does not require tourists to be environmental or natural experts. That knowledge is provided to tourists through the tourists themselves directly observing and feeling the natural environment, close to the lives of local people. It is similar to the content of the proverb mentioned: "hearing is forgetting, seeing is remembering, doing is understanding" or a hundred hearings are not as good as one seeing, a hundred seeings are not as good as one time with the participation of all psychological activities. Thus, if tourists want to feel, absorb and have that knowledge like local people, the best method is to create conditions for tourists on their trip to become real local people.

The design of detailed programs on this tourist route requires the participation of travel agencies whose target market is ecotourism customers. Therefore, in order for Ninh Binh's ecotourism products to be suitable to the desires of consumers, finding partners, product distributors such as travel agencies and ecotourism travel companies plays a decisive role in the development of ecotourism in Ninh Binh. To do this well, the mechanism of distributing benefits with ecotourism travel agencies must be put first and be the core of the relationship between ecotourism product suppliers and travel agencies.

3.2.2. Policy mechanism solutions

Policy mechanism is one of the important factors for Ninh Binh's eco-tourism development. Therefore, relevant central and local agencies must supplement and perfect a synchronous and unified policy mechanism in the following direction:

- Prioritize and encourage the exploitation of eco-tourism potential, especially for Cuc Phuong National Park, Van Long wetland nature reserve, Tam Coc - Bich Dong area, Trang An cave area... The important thing here is to have policies to attract and encourage investment from the province, the General Department of Tourism, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

- Currently, ecotourism in Ninh Binh has attracted and attracted many social sectors to participate. However, it is necessary to create a more favorable environment with incentive mechanisms so that economic sectors can invest in developing ecotourism areas. This is especially meaningful because the capital recovery from these projects is often long and has high risk.

- There must be regulations and sanctions to ensure that the subjects participating in ecotourism activities have a commitment to managing and operating ecotourism activities in accordance with the principles of this type of tourism and ensuring compliance with the viewpoints and orientations set forth by the State and Ninh Binh province. There must be a strong enough benefit mechanism and sanctions to bind and improve the quality of coordination and unification of actions of tour guide operating companies; managers of nature reserves, national forests; the Government, non-governmental organizations and communities.

3.2.3. Raising awareness of ecotourism

To raise awareness of ecotourism, it is necessary to focus on managers of tourist areas, tourist attractions, tour guides, policy makers related to tourism conservation and development, tourism service providers, residential communities in Ninh Binh and tourists. For each subject, it is necessary to apply different forms and contents to propagate and educate about ecotourism appropriately. It is necessary to regularly and in many different forms so that subjects participating in ecotourism activities in Ninh Binh understand and raise awareness of this type of tourism, the requirements of ecotourism, the role and responsibility of each component participating in ecotourism product business, the benefits of ecotourism for each component participating in it. We propose the main forms and contents to raise awareness of ecotourism for subjects participating in ecotourism business in Ninh Binh as follows:

For managers and policy makers. Need to raise awareness of the benefits of ecotourism; principles of ecotourism. Training forms: Concentrated training, field trips, through the media.

For Tourism Business. Need to raise awareness about the Nature and elements of Ecotourism, the principles and requirements of Ecotourism. The form of application is Concentrated training, visits and through the media.

For tourists. Explain the benefits of ecotourism and the responsibilities of tourists. The form of application is information transmitted to tourists and through the media.

For local residents at tourist destinations. Raising awareness of the benefits of ecotourism and responsibility for local resources, environment and culture. Training is conducted in a centralized manner and through the media.

For tour guides. Need to be trained professionally and responsibly for the activities they participate in. Training forms are centralized training, self-training and through the media.

For students. Need to understand the nature and benefits of DLST. Training is integrated into subjects and through the media.

The method of education and training to disseminate knowledge about nature and the relationship between nature and humans to local residents at ecotourism sites in Ninh Binh starts from small groups in a simple way. There is a fact that we must admit that the education level of local communities, especially in remote areas, is often lower than the social average and compared to people in urban areas. Therefore, when building educational programs to raise awareness for local communities about environmental protection, we need to have appropriate methods to both achieve effectiveness in education and save costs. Education courses for local communities need to be conducted before they participate in ecotourism activities.

3.2.4. Planning solutions

A positive point for tourism in Ninh Binh is that the province's master plan for tourism development until 2010 was approved in 1995. However, up to now, there have been many fluctuations in the socio-economic development situation of the locality as well as the whole country, but the plan has not been adjusted or supplemented, so it is necessary to have a plan with a broader vision in both space and time. In the coming years, the Ninh Binh tourism industry needs to coordinate with the General Department of Tourism, the Institute of Tourism Research, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

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