Bui Thi Nhem (R), who is running a homestay in Duc Phong, briefing tourists on the self-service shop model.

Ban Thi Kim Quy, Vice Chairwoman of the district People's Committee, stressed that the beautiful natural landscapes, rich culture, and changing mindset have helped turn tourism into a key economic sector, generating numerous jobs and improving living standards, particularly for ethnic minority communities. 

This transformation is evident not only in Duc Phong but also in other hamlets engaging in community tourism throughout the district, she said, taking the example of Sung hamlet in Cao Son commune, which has emerged to a bright spot in community tourism from a poor, isolated locality. 

According to Ly Sao Mai, from Da Bac Community-Based Tourism JSC in Sung hamlet, among the 75 Dao households there, only a few are currently running homestays, while the others have actively contributed to local tourism development by offering products and tour guide services. 

Quy said over the past years, apart from implementing action programmes and plans on community tourism, the district has paid attention tourism promotion, market connectivity, and brand building. 

The district expects to welcome 550,000 visitors by 2025, of them 25,000 international, and earn over 297 billion VND (11.91 million USD) from the tourism sector.