(VOVWORLD) - Agricultural tours are trending in Lam Dong province in the Central Highlands. In a five-years pilot period, agricultural tourism has contributed significantly to tourism growth. The provincial People’s Committee has rolled out new policies to harness the potential of agricultural tourism.
Nguyen Thi Nhung of Ho Chi Minh city had a wonderful experience visiting and picking juicy red strawberries at a farm in Ward 8, Da Lat city. Nhung and her friends took lots of photos there.
She said, “I like visiting the farms to see with my own eyes how the trees are cultivated. I learn how clean technology produces high-quality, safe food.”
According to Ngo Van Lai, a local resident in Ward 1, Da Lat has long been famous for its natural beauty: Prenn waterfall, Datanla waterfall, Than Tho lake, Love valley, and the municipal garden. Now it needs something new. Agricultural tourism seems a natural new development.
“I’m amazed by the hydroponic vegetable growing model. It’s totally new to Da Lat residents and visitors alike. This farm is an interesting place to visit. I haven’t seen anything like this before. Lettuce grown with clean technology is safe for consumers,” said Lai.
 Agricultural tourism is winning fame for Da Lat. |
The giant pumpkin patch of Le Huu Phan in Ward 9, a certified role model of agricultural tourism, is always packed with visitors, even during the COVID-19 pandemic which has left other tourist destinations deserted.
Phan said: “Agricultural tourism is popular because it brings visitors close to nature. I also display local specialties and products from my farm. I can see that visitors love that.”
Over the past 3 years, 6 million tourists have booked agricultural tours, generating 10 million USD and 1,000 jobs. 30 farms have been certified to operate agricultural tours in Da Lat.
Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said agricultural tourism is boosting Da Lat tourism – its spearhead economic sector.
“Agricultural tourism has started to gain fame for Da Lat. Our certified farms receive a steady flow of tourists. They earn more from selling tickets than from selling farm produce. We are increasing promotional activities and working with travel companies and farm owners to improve service quality,” said Ngoc.
According to Pham S, Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong provincial People’s Committee, agricultural tourism has proven an effective contributor to socio-economic development. It has helped to increase the combined revenue of agriculture and tourism. One hectare of farms engaging in agricultural tourism can generate more than 200,000 USD a year, 2.5 times the revenue generated by agriculture alone.
He said the issuance of certificates to new tourism farms has been temporarily halted until new policies are introduced to ensure that local agricultural tourism meet international standards.