The idea of combining tourism with volunteering that Lao Cai is researching and implementing is a very good and creative way of doing things, truly "killing three birds with one stone".
Firstly, it satisfies the passion for exploration of tourists, especially those who love the wildness, cultural identity and majestic nature of Lao Cai. Famous destinations such as Sa Pa, Bac Ha, Y Ty always attract tourists from everywhere.
With this new form of tourism, visitors not only enjoy the scenery and unique cultural space, but also have the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities, creating more impressions for the journey.
Second, these tours help connect and share with the local community after the storm and flood. Volunteer activities such as giving gifts, supporting students, and helping affected households bring timely encouragement and assistance.
This is not only a way to help solve immediate difficulties but also a way to connect tourists with local people, creating strong and long-term relationships.
Third, this model contributes to the recovery of Lao Cai's tourism industry after natural disasters. According to statistics, in September 2024, tourism establishments here generated almost no revenue, and tours were canceled en masse due to the impact of the storm. The total initial damage was estimated at about 15 billion VND.
Incorporating volunteering into tours not only helps increase attractiveness but also creates a new direction for Lao Cai tourism, helping the locality quickly restore its tourism economy.
Hopefully this idea will attract strong support from the tourist community, especially philanthropists and volunteers.
After each storm and flood, in addition to traditional relief activities, volunteer tourism will bring a new breeze, helping participants have an interesting travel experience and feel like they are contributing to the community.
Tours such as “Discovering Sa Pa - City in the Mist”, “Bac Ha Market - Cruise on Chay River”, or “Bao Yen Spiritual Tourism Combined with Volunteering” are not only journeys to explore culture and nature, but also activities to share humanity.
This is a way for philanthropists to go directly to the damaged areas, listen and understand better the people's circumstances. Through that, the help becomes more meaningful and practical.
And if Lao Cai successfully implements this model, it can be completely implemented in provinces with similar circumstances, especially the Central and Northern provinces of our country - which often face natural disasters, storms and floods, causing significant damage to people and property.
Therefore, tourism combined with volunteering will be a potential model, not only helping to recover after natural disasters but also creating opportunities for tourists to experience tourism associated with humanistic values by creating dual values for both tourists and localities!
