Trang 1 HANOI UNIVERSITY OF INDUSTRYSCHOOL OF LANGUAGES AND TOURISMFINAL ASSIGNMENTRESEARCH ON ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT INPHONG NHA-KE BANG NATIONAL PARKCourse name: EcotourismCourse code:
lOMoARcPSD|39474592 HANOI UNIVERSITY OF INDUSTRY SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES AND TOURISM FINAL ASSIGNMENT RESEARCH ON ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN PHONG NHA-KE BANG NATIONAL PARK Course name: Ecotourism Course code: TO6159_TA Course instructor: Nguyen Thi Kieu Tam Group: 3 HANOI, 2024 Downloaded by nhim nhim (nhimbien3@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|39474592 HANOI UNIVERSITY OF INDUSTRY SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES AND TOURISM FINAL ASSIGNMENT RESEARCH ON ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN PHONG NHA-KE BANG NATIONAL PARK Group members Đào Hương Huế - 2022601973 Hoàng Trang Hường - 2022602790 Đỗ Thị Lan - 2022605198 Trần Tất Long - 2022605302 HANOI, 2024 Downloaded by nhim nhim (nhimbien3@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|39474592 TABLE OF CONTENTS I Introduction 3 1 Concept and characteristics of eco-tourism 3 1.1 Concept of eco-tourism 3 1.2 Characteristics of ecotourism 3 2 Types of ecotourism 5 2.1 Mass tourism 5 3 Conditions for the development of ecotourism 7 3.1.Conditions 7 3.2.Basic principles for developing ecotourism 8 4 Factors influencing the organization of implementation of Eco Tourism 8 5 Potential and prospects 9 5.1 Cave resources 9 5.2.Animal and plant resources 9 5.3.Typical tourist attractions in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park 10 5.4.Humanistic tourism resources 10 II Literature Review .10 1 Ecotourism potentials of countries / territories worldwide 10 1.1.Potential of Ecotourism in the world 10 1.2.Potential of ecotourism development in VietNam .11 1.3.Potential of ecotourism development in Phong Nha - Ke Bang 12 2 Overview of ecotourism in Vietnam 12 3 Development directions of ecotourism .14 3.1 Development directions of ecotourism in Vietnam 14 3.2 Development directions of ecotourism in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park .19 4 Current status and development direction of ecotourism in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park 20 4.1 Current status .20 4.2 Ecotourism development direction in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park 22 5 Eco-Tourim Program Planning .24 5.1.Basic steps of ecotourism planning and design 24 5.2 Sample eco -tourism programs in Phong Nha-Ke Bang 27 6 Requirement of an Ecotourism Worker 27 1 Downloaded by nhim nhim (nhimbien3@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|39474592 6.1.Knowledge required for an ecotourism tour guide 28 6.2 Skills required for an ecotourism tour guide 28 6.3 Attitudes required for an ecotourism tour leader 29 III Methodology .30 1 Methods of collecting and processing information and data 30 2 Methods of analysis and synthesis 30 IV Discussion 31 1 Critical analysis of findings about ecotourism concepts 31 2 Discussion of the implications of the study for ecotourism in Vietnam 31 3 Comparison with existing literature 31 V Conclusion .32 1 Summary of key findings 32 2 Reasons why Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park attracts tourists 32 2.1 The cave has the most "most" things in the world 32 2.2 Brings a harmonious beauty of nature .33 2.3 Diverse ecotourism activities .33 2.4 Rich local culture 33 2.5 Where you will have unexpected travel experiences 33 3 Recommendations for the ecotourism industry in Vietnam 34 4 Conclude 35 VI Self and Peer-Assessment Reflection 35 2 Downloaded by nhim nhim (nhimbien3@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|39474592 ECOTOURISM RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT Research Topic Title: A Case Study of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam Assignment Components I Introduction 1 Concept and characteristics of eco-tourism 1.1 Concept of eco-tourism The ecotourism definition by the Global Ecotourism Network (GEN): “Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and creates knowledge and understanding through interpretation and education of all involved (visitors, staff and the visited)” (Global Ecotourism Network, 2016) Ecotourism has developed in response to mass tourism, as mass tourism destinations were beginning to show signs of degradation resulting from overuse Therefore, ecotourism was seen as a sustainable alternative, and also a means of interest to all tourists wishing to see natural areas that were remote and exotic 1.2 Characteristics of ecotourism Involves going to a natural destination These destinations are often remote areas, whether inhabited or uninhabited These areas often have fresh air and many trees and plants and animals, especially endangered plant and animal species These areas are often protected internationally, nationally, by communities or privately Minimize impactd Ecotourism tries to minimize adverse impacts by 3 Downloaded by nhim nhim (nhimbien3@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|39474592 Use of renewable energy sources: Ecotourism promotes the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectricity and biomass This helps reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact Recycling and safe waste disposal: Ecotourism places emphasis on recycling and safe disposal of waste This includes separating trash, recycling materials and using waste disposal methods that do not pollute the environment Architectural design sensitive to the environment and culture: Ecotourism promotes architectural design sensitive to the environment and local culture This includes the use of natural materials, energy-efficient design and respect for local cultural values - Builds environmental awareness Ecotourism means education for both tourists and residents of neighboring communities First, about the community residents in that area and surrounding areas: The government and localities have propaganda sessions for local people on how to protect and develop the environment In addition to propaganda on the radio and social media For tourists, before starting the tour, travel companies should propagate to tourists on how to preserve the destination preserve the ecological environment - Provides direct financial benefits for conservation Ecotourism helps raise funds for environmental protection, research and education through a variety of mechanisms It can be taxes from restaurants and hotels around the area, entrance fees to ecosystems (park tickets, boating fees to visit landscapes, ) - Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people In ecotourism, the positive interaction between tourists and the environment is an important factor Local community involvement helps create a happy and sustainable environment for both visitors and the community This can be achieved by ensuring that local communities benefit from meaningful tourism 4 Downloaded by nhim nhim (nhimbien3@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|39474592 2 Types of ecotourism According to Fennell , there are two overarching types of tourism: Mass Tourism and Alternative Tourism 2.1 Mass tourism Mass tourism refers to the movement of a large number of organized tourists to popular holiday destinations for recreational purposes It is a phenomenon which is characterized by the use of standardized package products and mass consumption Conceptually, this type of tourism features standardized leisure products and experiences packaged for mass tourist consumption (Poon 1993) Mass tourism has both benefits and demerits And to limit those downsides, we have to choose an alternative means of tourism 2.2 Alternative tourism Alternative tourism covers a wide range of activities, but more generally, it is defined as “forms of tourism consistent with natural, social and community values and that allow both hosts and visitors to enjoy positive and highly appreciable interaction and a shared experience” ( Wearing & Neil, 1999) There are five subdivisions of alternative tourism : cultural , Educational , Scientific , Adventure , Agri-tourism - Cultural According to the definition adopted by the UNWTO General Assembly, at its 22nd session (2017), Cultural Tourism implies “A type of tourism activity in which the visitor’s essential motivation is to learn, discover, experience and consume the tangible and intangible cultural attractions/products in a tourism destination These attractions/products relate to a set of distinctive material, intellectual, spiritual and emotional features of a society that encompasses arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, culinary heritage, literature, music, creative industries and the living cultures with their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and traditions” 5 Downloaded by nhim nhim (nhimbien3@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|39474592 - Educational Educational tourism is considered one of the modern directions of tourism that has had higher growth in recent years, although the concept of travel for learning and education is a complex field of dimensions (Martínez-Zarzuela et al., 2015) New education styles, new information and research techniques and good exposure to Science has enabled the growth of cooperation with the public and private sectors, as well as representatives of the education and travel sectors (Lind and Saloyaara, 2018) This sector is acquiring popularity these days and is a fast growing sub-sector in the travel and tourism industry (Tiwari, 2020) - Scientific “Scientific tourism is an activity where visitors participate in the generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge, carried out by research and development centers" (INST Network, Valdivia 29 April 2019) Scientific tourism is conceived as a bridge between the world of science and tourism, bringing together inhabitants of the territories and their visitors, of all nationalities and cultures, motivated by the advancement of human knowledge - Adventure tourism According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA): “adventure tourism is a tourist activity that includes physical activity, cultural exchange, or activities in nature.” According to Muller and Cleaver: “Adventure tourism is characterized by its ability to provide the tourist with relatively high levels of sensory stimulation, usually achieved by including physically challenging experiential components with the tourist experience.” - Agri-tourism According to the American Farm Bureau Federation: “Agritourism refers to an enterprise at a working farm, ranch or agricultural plant conducted for the enjoyment 6 Downloaded by nhim nhim (nhimbien3@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|39474592 of visitors that generates income for the owner Agricultural tourism refers to the act of visiting a working farm or any horticultural or agricultural operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education, or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation that also adds to the economic viability of the site.” 3 Conditions for the development of ecotourism The development of ecotourism requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure that it is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and beneficial to both the local communities and the natural environment 3.1.Conditions - The first requirement to be able to organize ecotourism is the existence of natural ecosystems - The second requirement is related to the basic principles of ecotourism in two points To ensure education and improve understanding for eco-tourists, the tour guide must not only have good foreign language knowledge but also be knowledgeable about the natural ecological features and culture of the local community Ecotourism activities require a principled operator Tourism operators must have a commitment to the conservation or management of natural areas In turn, ecotourism operators must collaborate with nature reserve managers and local communities with the aim of contributing to the long-term protection of natural values regional nature and culture, improving lives and enhancing common understanding between locals and tourists - The third requirement is to minimize the possible impacts of ecotourism activities on nature and the environment Accordingly, ecotourism needs to be organized with strict compliance with regulations on "carrying capacity" - The fourth requirement is to satisfy tourists' need to improve knowledge and understanding 3.2.Basic principles for developing ecotourism 7 Downloaded by nhim nhim (nhimbien3@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|39474592 - Ecotourism must be consistent with positive environmental principles, promoting and encouraging ethical responsibility for the natural environment - Ecotourism must not damage resources or the environment - Ecotourism must focus on internal values rather than external values and promote recognition of these values - Environmental and ecological principles need to come first so each eco-tourist will have to accept nature for what it is and accept its limitations rather than altering the environment field for personal convenience - Ecotourism must ensure long-term benefits for resources, for the locality and for the industry (conservation benefits or economic, cultural, social or scientific benefits) - Ecotourism must provide first-hand experiences when interacting with the natural environment, which are sociable experiences that increase understanding rather than seeking thrills or the purpose of enhancing physical fitness body condition 4 Factors influencing the organization of implementation of Eco Tourism The organization of eco-tourism implementation involves considering various factors to ensure its success and sustainability Here are some key factors that influence the organization of eco-tourism - Environmental Conservation Goals The primary objective of eco-tourism is to promote environmental conservation The organization of eco-tourism should align with and support local, regional, and national conservation goals and policies - Community Involvement and Support Engaging local communities in the planning and implementation of eco-tourism is crucial Their support and participation are essential for the success of eco-tourism initiatives 8 Downloaded by nhim nhim (nhimbien3@gmail.com)