Cultural tourism in Quang Tri poised for growth after merger

Cultural tourism, long overshadowed by nature-based, adventure, and spiritual tourism in Quang Tri provinces, is now gaining renewed attention following the recent administrative merger.

Despite the region’s rich cultural assets, this segment had remained underdeveloped for years. However, with increased geographic scope, supportive policies, and strong local commitment, cultural tourism is expected to become a central pillar of the province’s sustainable development strategy.Among the standout contributors is the Bru-Van Kieu ethnic community in the former Quang Binh area, known for preserving distinctive cultural traditions. Two of its key festivals, the Rice Sowing Festival in Truong Son Commune and the New Rice Celebration in Kim Ngan Commune, have been recognized as national intangible cultural heritage, providing both cultural value and tourism potential.

Ta Puong Waterfall tourist site consistently attracts visitors with its unique cultural experiences and captivating natural beauty.

Seeing the potential of culture-based tourism, Netin Travel launched the “Exploring Nature and Bru-Van Kieu Culture” tour in 2019, gaining a strong foothold in the market.This tour offers visitors a blend of trekking, cave exploration, and immersive experiences in Bru-Van Kieu culture, including cuisine, music, traditional attire, and daily life. Building on its initial success, Netin Travel continued to develop products linked to sites such as Clear Water Slot, Suoi Tien, Cong Troi Waterfall, and Bai Dan. Cultural experiences at Rum Ho village, Kim Ngan Commune became a highlight, especially as the company emphasized local participation through community-based tourism, enhancing the depth of cultural engagement.Tran Xuan Cuong, Director of Netin Travel, said cultural tourism shapes the company’s brand while creating lasting value for local communities through heritage preservation.From the outset, the company worked closely with folk culture researchers and artisans to develop content-rich tours. In parallel, training programs were implemented to enhance the skills of tourism service providers, particularly among ethnic minority groups.

With its rich and diverse cultural heritage, Quang Tri Province holds great potential for developing cultural tourism.

In Trang Ta Puong Village, Huong Lap Commune, Ho Van Gioi manages the Ta Puong Waterfall eco-tourism site, which blends stunning natural landscapes with authentic cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy traditional Bru-Van Kieu cuisine, clothing, musical instruments, and glimpses into the community’s daily life.Gioi said the site currently provides stable employment for nearly 20 local Bru-Van Kieu residents. He also noted that Netin Travel regularly brings visitors from the former Quang Binh area, helping to raise the profile of the waterfall and promote its unique cultural value.

The shared cultural heritage between the two former provinces, coupled with the untapped cultural resources of the newly merged Quang Tri, offers fertile ground for future growth in cultural tourism. Statistics show that the former Quang Binh province has 13 national intangible heritage elements, while the former Quang Tri has three. The new province is also home to both the Bru-Van Kieu and Ta Oi ethnic groups, whose rich folk traditions remain largely unexplored.Cuong observed that many international travelers using the Ho Chi Minh Trail’s western branch express a strong desire to stay longer and experience local culture. This has encouraged Netin Travel to expand its presence in the newly merged Quang Tri, aiming to build a chain of interconnected tours in the western region while boosting outreach in both domestic and international markets.Le Van Hai, Director of Vinh Ho Trading, Construction and Tourism Co., Ltd., noted that tourists previously tended to skip Quang Tri in favor of Hue or Danang. Now, with expanded territory and improved infrastructure, cultural tourism products are expected to integrate with ecological and historical tours to help build the brand of the new Quang Tri tourism sector.Looking ahead, human resources will be critical to elevating cultural tourism. As Gioi pointed out, Bru-Van Kieu communities aspire to become professional tourism providers and need structured training programs.At the same time, promotional efforts must be innovative and well-coordinated, ensuring distinct cultural highlights.For businesses specializing in cultural tourism, support in developing and refining products is essential. Cuong expressed hope that relevant departments will continue to accompany enterprises in project implementation. This would allow for the expansion of tourism offerings across western Quang Tri and help create sustainable livelihoods for local Bru-Van Kieu communities.

Mai Nhan - Hai Nguyen