Could agricultural ecotourism boost Vietnam’s tourist revenues?

With its rich agricultural heritage, Vietnam is considering the promotion of agritourism and ecotourism as the next step in its tourism promotion initiative.

The Southeast Asian country boasts of verdant agricultural landscapes, as well as villages specialising in crafts that have been around for generations. But while such assets promise a boon for the country’s tourism sector, they also pose a number of challenges.

Promoting agricultural and ecological tourism in Vietnam remains challenging as there is a notable lack of viable methodologies as well as structured development plans.

While small private groups have attempted to push agritourism and ecotourism, their attempts have been characterised by a lack of both professionalism and infrastructure.

In which case, what can Vietnam do to come to the fore in terms of agritourism and ecotourism within the region?

Potential solutions

To develop measures for both agritourism and ecotourism whilst modernising the Vietnamese countryside, the country’s local governments need to review their existing tourism modalities. At the same time, there is a need to connect local destinations with others in different provinces, and develop agricultural tourism appropriate to local landscapes and agricultural production.

Showrooms where travellers can sample products of local agriculture and craft villages will also be necessary. However, managing these will also need to do something about preserving, revitalising, and improving traditional farming practices and crafting methods in order to draw travellers in.

At present, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has already approved a list of 20 pilot agricultural and rural tourism models. Implementation of these models will run well into next year. for implementation until 2025.

Local governments are also promoting tourism resources linked with agriculture and rural areas. There is also a move to diversify the products of agricultural and rural tourism in order to meet the evolving demands of both domestic and foreign visitors. While tours remain at the top of the list, authorities are considering more immersive experience to give travellers a true sense of Vietnam’s rich rural culture and traditions.