Phu Yen (VNA) – The south central coastal province of Phu Yen is transforming its rural villages and One Commune, One Product (OCOP) items into standout tourism draws, aiming to meet the growing demand for authentic experiences.
With more than 20 craft villages recognised under a Government decree on rural industry development, Phu Yen is positioning itself as a hub for immersive rural tourism. Local businesses are teaming up with communities to craft unique agricultural and artisanal products tailored to visitors.
A prime example is the collaboration between Stelia Beach Resort in Tuy Hoa city and An Cu Cooperative in Tuy An district. They offer guided tours of Phu Tan’s century-old sedge mat weaving village, where tourists can interact with artisans and try weaving. Spanning 25ha of sedge fields and supported by nearly 600 skilled workers, the village has emerged as a key stop for culture-seeking travelers.
Vice Chairman of the Tuy An district People’s Committee Nguyen Van Hoang said a 2.8 billion VND (113,000 USD) project is being carried out to preserve and develop Phu Tan village. It will expand sedge farming to 50 ha, modernise equipment, build a production value chain, and create an exhibition and sales centre for woven products at O Loan Lagoon, a national scenic site.
To further boost rural tourism, the provincial People’s Committee is also piloting a rural tourism development scheme for 2024-2025, which will integrate e-commerce solutions into all rural tourism destinations. Under the scheme, 70% of tourism company owners will undergo professional training in management. The pilot scheme encompasses nine community-based tourism models and one agricultural tourism model.
Cao Hoang Nguyen, Head of the Phu Yen Tourism Management Office under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said at least 10 traditional craft products will gain OCOP certification and be marketed to tourists. The province is also working on preferential policies to help OCOP businesses showcase and sell their goods./.
