Sa Pa's Tourism Development

It goes without question that tourism development alters the places where it occurs. How it alters these places and whether the results are positive or negative depend largely on how the complexity of development is managed. From a sustainability standpoint, tourism development occurring in an “ideal way” will result in widespread economic benefits for the local community, and tourism that doesn't degrade the local/natural environment or the well-being of the local people. The question is: what factors cause a destination to transform in a way that allows it to achieve these ideals?

The Sa Pa region of northern Vietnam is one that changed immensely through tourism development. Since the early 1900s when the French utilized Sa Pa as a holiday destination for the military, the area has experienced fluctuating levels of tourism. In the late 1940's visitation was halted completely when the region was attacked by Viet Minh. It wasn't until the 1990s that it picked up again, and is now showing little sign of slowing down.

The construction of a new hotels in Sa Pa town.

When you go to Sa Pa today, the “hustle and bustle” that comes along with tourism development is visible across all corners of town. One major enabler of the tourism industry’s growth is the recent addition of a national expressway that was built in 2014. Cutting the journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sa Pa’s closest major city) in half, the new route has resulted in a steady influx of domestic tourists who travel to the mountain town on weekend getaways.

In addition to the growing weekend crowds, other signs of development are very noticeable. The construction of several large hotels is underway throughout the town, a new cable car is now operating on Mount Fanispan, and more and more locals from the surrounding villages are opening up homestays. On top of all this, a new domestic airport to serve Sa Pa has been proposed.

So, as Sa Pa town and the surrounding villages enter this new phase of tourism development, the question remains: what steps need to be taken in order to ensure that this development occurs in a way that is sustainable from environmental, socio-cultural and economic standpoints? Many believe that a community-based approach to tourism (one that is advocated by our team at CBT Vietnam), where the development is managed collectively by the local people is the optimum approach to sustainable tourism development.

It is our hope that as this region’s tourism industry continues to grow, that the local people from both the town and the surrounding villages will be able to work together using a community-based approach to achieve tourism development that is truly sustainable.

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The Homestay Development in Sapa

A visit to the local tour operators in Hanoi revealed that the current tourism development in Sapa is lacking clear structure. Sapa is facing an increase in tourist visitations, but with the lack of facilities and amenities, the region is slowly reaching its capacity and becoming overcrowded. The tour operators in Hanoi have been seeing the rapidly increasing demand for homestays, but as many homes do not meet the criteria of the tour operators, they are not considered for their clients. Simultaneously, some villagers are not motivated to upgrade their homes, because they had yet to witness the influx of tourists in the village themselves; this creates a problematic catch-22 situation.

Meeting with Mr. Hoang Nguyen, HandSpan Travel IndoChina

Mr. Hoang Nguyen, the Vice Director of HandSpan Travel Indochina shared that his experiences working with the local women of Sapa have been positive- but not without its own set of challenges. He has the drive to work directly with the locals there, because it helped him create authentic experiences for his clients, and because it also helped enrich the lives of the local community. According to Mr. Hoang, he felt that enforcing modern living standards and infrastructure in the homes would challenge the truly authentic village experience. To quote him, “the soul of the homestay is important”.  

Late last summer, our CBT Vietnam project linked the Hmong women of Lao Chai with the tour operators of Hanoi, by bringing a small group of women to the big city. One of the women's meetings was with HandSpan Travel Indochina. When they met with Mr. Hoang’s company, the representatives liked the women's proposal and took the opportunity to form a business partnership with them. Unfortunately, he still struggles to meet the demand of his clients, because there wasn’t enough developed homestays. He felt that HandSpan simply required more support from larger tour operators to affect real change. In fact, he has already tried calling the big players to encourage them to work with the locals more, and use local services (like staying at homestays and eating traditional home cooked meals). He believes that those companies can and should assist with the development because they possess a larger client base and expertise.

In the village of TaPhin, Lao Cai, Vietnam

Looking into the future, the homestay owners still need some support from companies to develop the structures and systems needed for a tourist destination to thrive. If both parties can come together and form a synergetic relationship, then the goal can be accomplished and the needs of both parties can be met.

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The Power of Responsible Travel

On April 7^thCBT Vietnam welcomed nearly a hundred aspiring jetsetters and travel enthusiasts for “The Power of Responsible Travel”. This event featured two of our films including  When the Villagers Left .  There were also talks from five outstanding speakers who shared stories, advice and aspirations for the future, in regards to “responsible travel”. These guest speakers included:

• Mark Harosowksi – Moving Worlds
•  Dr. Peter Williams – Simon Fraser University
• Lo May Ly – From Sapa, Vietnam
•  Erin Butler – G Adventures; and
• Andrew Motiwalla – Discover Corps

This event was a huge success and we were so glad that so many members of our local community were able to come support our project, while taking the time to learn about what they can do to travel responsibly.

So, you may be asking: What is responsible travel? Responsible travel/tourism is a concept that has been defined in different ways by different organizations. Some of these definitions include that responsible travel and tourism is:

 “Travel that aims to minimize tourism's negative impacts on the environment and maximize the positive contributions tourism can make to local communities.” 
– The Centre for Responsible Travel (CREST)

 “An approach to the management of tourism, aimed at maximising economic, social and environmental benefits and minimising costs to destinations. Simply put, Responsible tourism is tourism 'that creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit.” 
– The City of Cape Town

“About creating more meaningful experiences for travellers by connecting them to the local culture and the natural beauty of host communities around the world.  It is also about ensuring the communities hosting travellers benefit from tourism – through building skills, creating jobs and opportunities – all while protecting local natural and cultural integrity”. 
– The International Centre for Responsible Travel Canada

 

So, what can you do to be a Responsible Traveler?

- Choose businesses that take initiatives to protect our environment

-Choose business that employ local people and create jobs for women

-Be a conscious shopper and purchase goods from local businesses

-Chose businesses that respect human rights

-Take action to protect the local natural environment (save water and recycle when possible, do not litter ect.)

-Do not participate in activities that put wildlife at risk

-Observe and respect the local culture and customs

-Research and choose your volunteer travel experiences wisely

-Learn as much as possible about your destination before you arrive!

We would like to thank our wonderful community members again for attending our event and we encourage everyone to learn about how they can use “the power of responsible travel” to create positive social, economic, and environmental benefits for our world.

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How to Travel Responsibly

“Responsible Travel” - We’re willing to bet that you’ve seen these two words a whole lot recently. Travel companies talk about their responsible travel policies, travel bloggers post about how they champion responsible travel on the road. Those entrenched in the travel industry talk about these two words a lot.

But while so many of us “hum” and “haw” over how to be more responsible with travel, the uninitiated are often asking, “But what is responsible travel?”

This is a great question, and one that we sometimes forget to answer clearly and simply. But that’s the thing – responsible travel, at its core, isn’t complicated. Responsible travel is just our way of referring to travel that respects, sustains and limits the negative impact of travel on local communities and environments.

But for a traveller like you, how can you be a champion of responsible travel? It starts with simple but important changes you make to your itinerary – and the team at Buffalo Tours is here to help you do it.

To help you be a more responsible traveller on your next trip, check out this visual primer to Responsible Travel. Don’t forget to spread the word – one share can start an important conversation about changing the way we travel!

Embedded from Buffalo Tours Travel Blog

Respect Wildlife

Remember – people aren’t the only communities that are in danger of exploitation with mass tourism. Make sure you do your research before booking wildlife excursions and experiences. Good companies will have a responsible wildlife policy that guides their operations. Don’t be afraid to ask to see their policy!

Save Every Drop

During your visit, think about ways to limit your water consumption. At hotels, avoid laundering sheets and towels too frequently. Try to shorten your showers, and contribute to local initiatives in your destination that advocate for water conservation.

Change Your Commute

Skip the taxis and tourist buses for city excursions, and head out by foot, bicycle or public transportation instead! Not only are these more environmentally-friendly alternatives for your commute, but they’re also great ways to get in touch with a local culture and get a bit of exercise, too!

Focus on Culture

We all love a beach getaway or a resort visit, but make sure your visit includes some cultural experiences, too. Find ways to learn about local culture during your visit – try food tours, homestays and workshops with the locals!

Ask Questions

One of the coolest things about travel is the ability to communicate with people from entirely different walks of life. Seek out ways to ask questions and talk to the locals. Private tour leaders are a great way to do it – they’ll help you tackle the language barrier and make a true and lasting connection.

Share Your Culture

Learning about a destination’s culture is just the first step. Often times, locals are just as interested in learning about your culture, too. Fostering a sense of empathy and understanding with people around the world helps us build bridges that too often separate us.

Invest in Local Culture

Think about how you spend your travel dollar – and do what you can to make it count toward building up the local economy. Eat at locally-owned restaurants, buy directly from local artisans and use travel companies who champion local employment. Think global, act local!

Empower Communities

Charities can do a lot of good in the developing world, but there are even more ways to contribute to the lasting development of a community. Support initiatives that create sustainable income and infrastructure for local communities – including CBT Vietnam's homestay projects that provide fair and lasting income for communities who rarely have access to tourism dollars.

Donate Carefully

Remember that your travel dollars can contribute to something bigger during your travels. Rather than giving money to children on the street, consider donating instead to programs that provide housing, training and support for their families instead. Check out the amazing work of Friends International for some great options in Asia.

Check out this original story on the Buffalo Tours Travel Blog by clicking here!


Guest Post Courtesy of:

Author: Karen Hewell

Bio: As a Content Lead for Buffalo Tours, Karen helps tell stories about destinations, travel tips and responsible travel. As one of the largest and most established travel companies in Asia, Buffalo Tours is leading the way in making tourism in Asia more sustainable.

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Ripple effect of tourism dollars in the Sapa communities

Community development and community support is the foundation of the CBT project. What started out as an idea to help get tourists to stay the night in a village has quickly developed into a trickle down effect that economically impacts more than just the homestay operators.

The project helps maintain critical capacity building momentum so that the benefits of increased tourist visitation are distributed widely in the villages and throughout the region.

During our most recent project trip this past August, the CBT team travelled to Tavan for lunch. This village is one of the original villages the CBT Vietnam project worked with from 2002 - 2007. Our host, Ms. Xoi, talked  about the economic impacts our lunch had on the village. 

Each portion of our meal was connected to the village through two or more people. The rippling of our economic activities from the homestay lunch was beneficial to many within the local / regional community. Her are just some of the examples Ms. Xoi highlighted: 

• A Giay woman down the street made the tofu that we ate, while another woman grew the soy beans to produce the tofu in Ta Van as well;
• The rice wine she bought from her sister, who does not own a homestay, but supplies many business owners with traditional rice wine for their guests;
• Another Giay person had butchered the meat we were eating which came from a family that raises pigs. Many of the pigs in the neighbourhood at the product of another family that studs out the male pigs throughout the village to all of the  people who have female pigs which creates an entire animal husbandry industry.
• Ms. Xoi grows most of her own vegetables but whatever she is unable to pick from her garden she purchase in the village at one of the family-owned markets. 

The UNWTO advocates for tourism's connectivity. “As so many different activities and inputs make up the tourism product, which has a large and diversified supply chain, spending by tourists can benefit a wide range of sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, transport, and other services. Additional rounds of spending by those people whose income is supported by tourism spread the economic benefit further (the multiplier effect)” (STEP.UNWTO.ORG).

Prior to the enhanced development of homestays and community tourism products the guides and tour companies trucked in the food for their guests. Our research suggested that the economic impacts to the community were minimal. Now with increased number homestays and the development of local services, there is an increased need to have things like food markets in town to support the local community. Each time we visit the villages we notice that the the community has found ways to develop the local supply chain to benefit the local community. 

To learn more about the CBT Vietnam project please visit our website. 

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Exciting news from the CBT Vietnam team!

The CBT Vietnam Project has been nominated for a

 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award!

The Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award recognizes the region’s most inspiring responsible tourism initiative. The award marks the 10th year of working with the people in the region of Sapa to ensure that tourism is mutually beneficial to the tourist and to the host community.

We are incredibly honoured to be nominated as a finalist. The community of people and organizations that are working hard to foster responsible tourism in Asia is one that is innovative, resilient, and inspiring. To be a part of this group has been an experience we are very proud of. Congratulations to all of the finalists!

Photo courtesy of the CBT Vietnam Flickr - Photo taken by Kyle Sandilands

Here are some highlights of the CBT Vietnam project so far:

• Approximately 400 people, including ethnic minorities, have been involved in the training that CBT Vietnam is providing
• Over 60 tour guides from the Sapa Region have been trained
• Nearly 30 authentic cultural homestays have been set up in 3 villages: Tavan, Taphin and Lao Chai
• An increase from US$500/year to US$2400/year of revenue/income generated by some individuals in the village has been seen

In addition to these project achievements and milestones, the project has also served as a tool to create responsible travellers. 

"Projects such as CBT Vietnam play a crucial role in creating responsible tourists. It can be so easy for travellers visiting developing Asian countries to spend their whole holiday in very insular environments --on the tourist track and separate from the local communities. CBT Vietnam helps tourists witness the impacts and experiences that tourism has on the local people. The kind of understanding this creates for a tourist is invaluable and I don’t believe it’s possible to produce responsible tourists without it."
- Taryn Bodrug, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2010 - 2014)

Photo courtesy of the CBT Vietnam Flickr - Photo taken by Kyle Sandilands

Not only has this initiative positively impacted the community members and tourists visiting the region, it has also had a profound impact on the volunteers that have helped out with CBT Vietnam and the way that they view sustainable tourism.

"Since I've participated in the CBT Vietnam project, I've become more aware of the impact of my choices and my influence on the environment and the lives of those I come in contact with. I have come to understand that having the privilege of traveling comes with certain responsibilities, and fulfilling these responsibilities is not only a moral obligation, but also a rewarding experience. "
- Hedieh Ahmari, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2014)

"Responsible tourism is treating others the way they wish to be treated, traveling within means of continuity for the community and its members, without compromise. CBT Vietnam has shown me the effects of tourism on a community and the fine line that run along responsible tourism and green washing."
- Samantha Macgregor, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2014 - 2015)

"CBT Vietnam was developed with the community, based on its assets, objectives, and the desire of the locals to achieve an economic development. It is based off of what the locals need, rather than what the tourists need, which is why it is successful. Not only does it benefit the current local people and tourists, but it also impacts future generations through empowerment and education." 

- Sabrina Ouellette, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2014)

For more information about the amazing things CBT Vietnam has accomplished, please visit our website.

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Day One and Two in Hanoi

After months of preparation and anticipation the big day was here. With everything I will need for the next month packed into an 85 liter bag I made my way to YVR airport to meet up with my fellow student, Marina, and instructor Henry. For all of us it was our first time to Vietnam, and after a 24-hour travel day Chris was waiting for us at the airport ready to guide us into Hanoi for our CBT Vietnam adventure!

How the Vietnamese do.
Fixing the power lines in the middle of the street.

Day One – In the morning I woke up to the sound of motorbikes, people eating on the street, and more horns than New York City. Chris led us to a favorite breakfast spot where we got to enjoy street food amongst the locals, before heading to enjoy some Vietnamese coffee. Traditionally prepared with condensed milk and strong coffee, we were awake and ready to explore Hanoi.  

In Hanoi, there is a traffic light once in a blue moon, and crosswalks are merely painted lines on the ground that are readily ignored. For crossing the street there are two main rules to follow. First, don’t make eye contact with the motor bikers. They won’t run into you unless you acknowledge their presence. Secondly, don’t ignore the cars, and especially the busses. They are the bullies of the road, and will hit you.

Before we knew it our exploration day in Hanoi was coming to an end, and we found ourselves on our way to meet with Hanoi Open University to get an update on how the villages in the Sapa region were doing over dinner. With more food than we could ever eat put in the middle of the table, the feast began concluding our night.

Yum!

Day 2 – Jetlag hit us strong this morning, as we were up at 5:00 am basically ready to start the day. Meeting time for the group wasn’t for a few hours so this was the time to do some last minute planning complete and rest before hitting the street to pickup anything we may need for Sapa and Lao Chai.

We had a plan of action for the day. Chris made the executive decision to send Emily off on her own to head to “Stationary Street” as its called, as she is familiar with Hanoi from her previous trip. Henry, Marina and I went in the other direction doing our best not to get lost in the bustling and winding streets of Hanoi. While Chris, a ninja that he is, took off on a Xeom (motorbike taxi) to complete his tasks at lightening speeds. 

With us all being such a great team we all completed ahead of time and were able to have some leisure time to enjoy one of the best meals we have had so far. The restaurant had tables on the sidewalk of one of the busiest backpackers street in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, great for some entertaining people watching. After the meal, we headed back to our hostel in Hanoi to grab our things and head to the train station to get ourselves to Sapa.

More to come shortly on our CBT Vietnam adventure!

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Spotlight on the Black H’mong

When thinking of the people residing in Vietnam your mind will likely start to conjure up images of the Vietnamese people. But, did you know that there are actually 54 minority groups that also call Vietnam their home?

Each of these ethnic minorities has their own unique culture and history that are wildly different from each other and from that of the Vietnamese. One of those ethnic minority groups is called the Black H’mong and they have a fascinating history and culture.

Black Hmong woman tending to her indigo-dyed hemp fabric - photo by Caitlin Rowe 

The exact origin of the Black H’mong people is still unknown to this day. This is partially because most of this culture’s history is passed down orally, making it challenging to trace. Some believed that they may have come from Europe, due to stories of ancestors having blue eyes and blonde hair. This is actually an occurrence that, even though rare, still happens today. However, through evidence surrounding similar linguistic patterns, it is believed that they spent at least 2,000 years in China up until approximately 300 years ago. The Black H’mong left China after rebelling against Chinese imperialism during the Ming and Qing dynasties. They found safety in areas of Northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. 

Ms. May, owner of a homestay in Lao Chai - photo by Caitlin Rowe

In Sapa, the Black H’mong are the most populous group out of all of the ethnic minorities, with its people living in villages such as Lao Chai and Ta Phin. Many have relied on farming and agriculture as their main occupation; however, with the increase of tourists in the Sapa region, they now use tourism as a source of income. The relationship between tourists and the Black H’mong has been strained at times, primarily as a result of cultural conflict. Now armed with a better understanding of the tourist mindset and more conscious international visitors, the relationship has greatly improved. In today’s society, the Black H’mong people are happy to welcome tourists into their homestays and its people are learning how to use tourism to their advantage. 

References:

Lacharbey, Juliette. (n.d.). The Hmong People of North Vietnam. Scribol. Retrieved from http://scribol.com/anthropology-and-history/the-hmong-people-of-north-vietnam

Cha, Dia. (2004). Field Guide to Hmong Culture. Madison Children’s Museum. Retrived from 

http://csumc.wisc.edu/cmct/HmongTour/howwedidit/HMONG_FIELD_GUIDE_WEB.pdf

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Tết Nguyên Đán!

The CBT Vietnam team would like to wish everyone a happy new year!

Tết Nguyên Đán (or Tết for short), translates to “the first morning of the first day” in Vietnamese. This celebration is one of the biggest and most important for our friends in Vietnam. I’ve heard that there is some debate over whether or not this Lunar New Year is the Year of the Goat or the Year of the Sheep. In Vietnam, it is considered to be the Year of the Goat. In an article I read, goats are much more common in Vietnam due to the heat, which is one of the reasons why it is not referred to as the Year of the Sheep.

Thank you Sam for contributing these awesome photos from your time in Vietnam!
Much like the festivities that I go to for New Year’s Eve, this time of year for the Vietnamese is all about celebrating with friends and family and eating lots of great food. I’ve always found it interesting when you are able to draw parallels between different customs in various countries. Even though it is so far away from Canada, Vietnam may not be so different after all! However, unlike the New Years that I grew up celebrating every year, on December 31^st, Lunar New Year has a different day each year. This year, it fell on February 19, and in 2016 it will be celebrated on February 8.

I was born in the Year of the Rooster. After doing some research, I learned that Roosters are generally considered to be hardworking, courageous, talented, attractive and beautiful… I swear I’m not making this up!

I found the whole research really interesting and looked into other information about my other 2015 CBT Vietnam teammates as well.

Marina was born in the Year of the Horse. Horses are considered to be extremely animated, active and energetic. Knowing what I do about Marina’s personality, I would definitely say this is an accurate description of her.  Mia was born in the Year of the Monkey. Monkeys are typically known for their mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness. Monkeys are also thought to be the “masters of practical jokes”. We may need to keep an eye on Mia, (just kidding!). Kyle was born in the Year of the Pig. Pigs are believed to be diligent, compassionate, and generous. Pigs also have great concentration: once they become focused on a goal, they will be completely dedicated to reaching it. Hopefully Kyle can apply that focus to the training manual he is currently working on to guide us when we are over in Vietnam.

On February 8, 2016 Vietnam will bring in the year of the monkey – but until then, bring on the Year of the Goat!

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