Community Based Ecotourism in Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province: Current Status and Solutions for Land Use

Abstract

      Community based ecotourism will contribute to ensure sustainable socio-economic development, integration and cross-cultural intersection. The research was conducted in Giao Thuy district where attractive natural scenes and charming relics are located. Surveying 400 tourists and 400 individuals engaging in tourism services showed that visitors highly appreciated historical relics and reserved natural areas of the district. The related infrastructure, hotel accommodation, food services are in well rated. However, visitors were concerned about the comfort and facilities, response to errors in service and feedback to tourists’ questions, sanitary condition, security and asset protection during visit to Giao Thuy district. In the period of 2000-2012, as the result of community based eco- tourism, the land allocated for that purpose increased to 636.24 hectares. In order to develop community based eco-tourism, the following solutions were proposed: rational tourism resource use planning, appropriate policies, increased advocation and full use of local resources.