Preserving culture to develop tourism
Currently, many community tourism villages in the locality attract tourists, typically Kon Trang Long Loi (Dak Ha), Vi Ro Ngheo, Kon Pring ( Kon Plong) and Kon K'tu ( Kon Tum City).
Mr. A Xay, a resident of Kon Pring village, said that thanks to its location near Mang Den national eco-tourism area, the village welcomes a large number of visitors every year. This place has a peaceful beauty with fields, mountains and forests and traditional lifestyles.
"People have renovated stilt houses, Rong houses, and long houses to welcome guests. Visitors can enjoy rice, grilled chicken, celery and local specialties, Mr. A Xay shared.
During the festival season, visitors can immerse themselves in cultural activities such as gong performance, xoang dance, epic storytelling, bringing a unique experience imbued with the identity of the Central Highlands.
Since being planned as a tourist village, Kon Pring people have raised their awareness of environmental protection and maintaining security and order. The space of rural mountainous areas with fields, purchased flowers, stilt houses and homestays built by the people has become an attractive highlight for tourists.
Ms. Y Hoa, a tourism business owner in Mang Den town, said: "In addition to investing in building villas and homestays, some businesses also coordinate with the government and people to raise awareness of systematic and sustainable tourism development".
Every year, the People's Committee of the district organizes many activities to preserve and promote indigenous culture, such as performing Central Highlands gongs, weaving brocade, and making traditional musical instruments. Folk rituals such as the new rice celebration and buffalo stabbing festival also attract a large number of tourists.
Challenges in community tourism development
Despite its many benefits, community tourism in Kon Tum still faces some difficulties. Currently, not all households do tourism in a methodical direction, leading to a lack of synchronization in services.
Many community tourism destinations in remote areas are still difficult to access due to bulky traffic infrastructure. Telecommunications infrastructure such as the internet and phone signals are not yet synchronous, making it difficult for tourists to find information and stay long-term.
To promote community tourism, Kon Tum Provincial Party Secretary, Mr. Duong Van Trang, directed districts to step up propaganda and guide people to participate in tourism development. At the same time, localities need to have strategies to attract tourists and call for businesses to invest, especially in Mang Den.
Kon Tum aims to welcome about 2.5 million visitors by 2025, contributing to socio-economic development and preserving the cultural values of the Central Highlands.
