Tourism and Handicraft Development in Ha Tay Province

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31 Mar 07
30 Nov 08

Project title: TOURISM AND HANDICRAFT DEVELOPMENT IN HA TAY PROVINCE
Country: VIETNAM	Region: ASIA
Current status: Ongoing Concluded	Duration (est.)/dates: April 2007 – December 2008
Partner entities: Vietnam National Tourism Administration, SNV Vietnam
Source(s) of Funding: ST-EP Foundation
Executing Agency: Vietnam National Tourism Administration
Main project objective: to deliver more income to poor families by strengthening the synergy between handicraft production and tourism and engaging the local community in tourism activities, thus resulting in an improved visitor’s experience and the expansion of employment opportunities. Ha Tay province has a centuries-long tradition in handicraft production and accounts for the largest number of craft villages in the country. There is good potential to increase visitation to the Ha Tay handicraft villages, largely owing to their proximity and good access to Hanoi.
Activities:
In the initial strategic planning component, two important documents were formulated on tourism development and handicrafts: 1) Recommendations for Planning and Policy Strategies for Handicraft Villages Tourism in Ha Tay and 2) Pilot Project Plan for Phu Vinh Handicraft Village. In component two (Community Organization, Training and Capacity-Building), more than 300 local poor people received strategic and relevant skills training as a foundation for further engagement in income-generating activities linked to sustainable tourism development and village handicraft tourism. In component three (Marketing & Promotion and Site Development), a Marketing Strategy and Promotional Plan for Phu Vinh village and Ha Tay province was developed. A set of promotional materials for tourism in handicraft villages in Ha Tay were developed. Moreover, small-scale infrastructural improvements were carried out in Phu Vinh (pilot model village), such as building of instruction board to the village; upgrading of public toilet; and buying decorative items for the showroom.
Main project outputs/deliverables: More than 300 local poor people received strategic and relevant skills training as a foundation for further engagement in income-generating activities linked to sustainable tourism development and village handicraft tourism.
Remarks: The project was based on the objectives and the existing programme of the Ha Tay Tourism Department with regard to the development of handicraft-based tourism in the province. The methodology proved successful and it may be replicated in other villages, thus enhancing the number of opportunities generated.