Tourism in Ethnic Minority Regions Prioritized

Preferential policies to develop tourism in ethnic minority regions will come into effect from November 25, according to a circular newly issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The regions will be supported in tourism communication and promotion, researches and studies on tourism potential and development of community-based tourist products featuring ethnic minority regions. The selected tourism potential should match with the master plans on tourism development of each region and locality, with priorities given to tourism types with the participation of ethnic minority peoples. Support would go to protecting and preserving the environment in tourist destinations, as well as promoting the destinations and tourism products of ethnic minority regions. The ethnic minority regions will be aided to develop tourism in a sustainable and responsible manner to ensure they benefit from their participation in tourism activities, particularly home-stay models. Policies will be developed to attract investment in tourist attractions in the community-based tourism model while non-governmental organizations’ projects and tourism events will be encouraged and prioritized in the ethnic minority regions. In addition, training programs to develop human resources, especially ethnic minorities, for tourism development in the regions will be implemented. (http://news.chinhphu.vn/ Oct 23)