Lô Lô Chải: Hành trình từ một bản nghèo trở thành điểm đến du lịch toàn cầu | VTV24

Key Concepts:

• Lô Lô Trải Village
• United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
• Best Tourism Village
• Community-based tourism
• Poverty reduction
• Cultural preservation
• Natural resource conservation
• Homestay model
• Economic development
• Cultural identity

Lô Lô Trải Village: A Global Recognition for Sustainable Tourism

Lô Lô Trải village in Tuyên Quang province has achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the fifth village in Vietnam to be recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the best tourism villages globally. This recognition marks the culmination of a 15-year journey that transformed a village where 100% of households were classified as poor or near-poor into a globally recognized tourist destination. The success story of Lô Lô Trải serves as an inspiration for other villages in Vietnam, demonstrating how the preservation of cultural values and natural resources can be a powerful engine for development.

Transformation from Poverty to Prosperity

The village, which once consisted of 120 poor households, now has only four remaining. This significant reduction in poverty is largely attributed to the adoption of a homestay model, with half of the households now offering accommodation to tourists. Lô Lô Trải now welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors annually.

Leadership and Pioneering Efforts

Sìì Gai, the village head, was the driving force behind this transformation. Inspired by a visit to a community tourism model in Sapa, he recognized the potential for Lô Lô Trải to change its economic trajectory. He understood the need to guide the villagers towards a new way of living and earning. Initially, households could earn only about 20-30 million VND per month. However, the vision was to increase this income significantly, aiming for 40-50 million VND per month for each household.

The Homestay Model: A Catalyst for Change

Bà Đai was the first villager to receive support, with the village head providing 5 million VND to renovate her house, setting an example for others. Her former cattle grazing area has been repurposed into three rooms for tourist rentals. Bà Đai's success served as a powerful motivator, prompting neighboring households to adopt similar initiatives, leading to a rapid improvement in their living standards. The transcript highlights this change, noting that "this generation is now able to buy cars and has changed a lot, singing a lot more."

Preserving Identity While Embracing Development

Crucially, the development in Lô Lô Trải has not come at the expense of its cultural identity. The village has integrated its heritage into its tourism offerings. For instance, while some houses feature a traditional two-tiered roof with yellow walls, others are designed to mimic the "chống đồng" (bronze drum), a significant artifact of the Lô Lô people. This approach demonstrates a development strategy rooted in cultural preservation. As a result, this ancient village, located in the sacred northernmost part of the country, has risen with pride to become a world-leading tourist village.

Impact on Cultural Pride and Preservation

The villagers now feel a greater sense of pride in their ethnic culture. This recognition has also fostered a stronger commitment to preserving their heritage. The transcript states, "This is also a way to preserve the most intangible heritage, which is that all of us will get rich together and develop the economy together. With wealth, we can protect the border and protect our country." This sentiment underscores the interconnectedness of economic prosperity, cultural preservation, and national security.

Conclusion

The story of Lô Lô Trải is a testament to the power of community-driven development, where the preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources, coupled with innovative economic models like community-based tourism and homestays, can lead to profound positive change. The village's journey from poverty to global recognition highlights the potential for sustainable tourism to uplift communities and foster a deeper appreciation for cultural identity.