The Central Highlands region is also known for its gong culture which was recognised by UNESCO in 2005 as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Central Highlands localities have taken boldsteps in turning tourism into an economic spearhead, making great contributionsto their socio-economic development.
The region, which comprises five provinces of Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, DakNong, and Lam Dong, boasts a majestic beauty with windy mountain passes, spectacularvalleys, and a kaleidoscope of cultures of 49 out of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
Some populardestinations include Tuyen Lam Lake in Lam Dong province, Ngoc Linh Mountainand Mang Den Ecotourism Site in Kon Tum province, Kon Chu Rang Nature Reservein Gia Lai province, Draynur Waterfalls in Dak Lak province, and Yok Don NationalPark in Dak Nong province.
The region is also known for its gong culture which was recognised by UNESCOin 2005 as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“Con duong xanh Tay Nguyen”(the Central Highlands green road), a tourism path linked to “Con duong di sanmien Trung” (the Road of Heritage Sites in the Central Vietnam), is among majortours that help nudge the region’s majestic beauty closer to domestic andinternational visitors.
Besides, “Mot ngay an com ba nuoc, ba quoc gia motdiem den” (Dining in three countries in one day, three countries – one destination) programme was developed to link regional attractions with those in Lao and Cambodia.
Over recent years, the Central Highlands localities have organised conferences topromote tourism linkages with major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
However, experts have said that the region’s tourism development is lagging behind its potential, elaborating tourism linkage among localities are poorwhile new offerings should be created to lure more visitors.
Pham Hai Quynh, Director of the Asian Tourism Institute and Chairman of theVietnam Community-based Tourism Chapter (VCTC), said that it is workingto branch out tours in which local ethnics will tell stories about theircultures and histories.
In a bid tobolster the region’s sustainable tourism, it is necessary to study the ethnic groups’standout cultural straits, excellent cuisines and traditional practices, hesaid, adding that the move also aims at protecting the ethnic heritage fromfalling into oblivion./.
