Quang Nam (VNA) - The second annual meeting of the UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages Network is set to take place in Quang Nam province on December 9, as part of the first International Conference on Tourism for Rural Development.
The event will bring together representatives of 55 globally recognised villages, including Vietnam’s Tra Que vegetable village, which were selected from over 260 applications representing more than 60 UN Tourism member states. Additionally, 20 other villages have been chosen to participate in the network’s Upgrade Programme.
The Best Tourism Villages Initiative is part of the UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme, which aims to spur development in rural areas, counter depopulation, foster innovation, integrate value chains through tourism, and encourage sustainable practices.
Tourism is a powerful tool for inclusion. It empowers rural communities, helps protect and celebrate their rich cultural heritage, and drives sustainable development, said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
The initiative not only recognises the exceptional accomplishments of these villages but also underscores the transformative potential of tourism. By capitalising on their unique strengths, these communities can stimulate economic growth, preserve local traditions, and improve residents’ quality of life, Pololikashvili said.
He added: “We honour the villages that have adopted tourism as a means of empowerment and community well-being, demonstrating that sustainability is key to creating a brighter future for all.”
The famous Tra Que vegetable village, located in Cam Ha commune of Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, has become Vietnam’s sole representative on UN Tourism’s list of 55 Best Tourism Villages.
Once known as Nhu Que, named for its cultivation of herbs with a cinnamon (que)-like aroma, Tra Que continues to maintain its traditional organic farming methods. The village specialises in growing herbs such as spring onions, mint, perilla, and cilantro, with meticulous care and dedication.
Visitors to Tra Que can immerse themselves in the tranquil charm of rural life by participating in farming activities guided by local residents. Tourists can learn how to prepare soil, plant seeds, water crops, and harvest vegetables, gaining a deeper appreciation and unique understanding of the daily life of farmers. Additionally, visitors can take part in cooking classes and enjoy Hoi An’s specialties, such as banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes) and my Quang (Quang Nam-style noodle soup), served with freshly harvested herbs.
2024: A landmark year for tourism promotion
On the same day, December 9, a conference to plan tourism promotion activities for 2025 will also be held in Quang Nam, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The conference will review the achievements of 2024’s tourism promotion campaigns and outline strategies for the upcoming year.
The 2025 promotion efforts will centre on Hue – Visit Vietnam Year 2025, featuring a series of notable events throughout the year. Planned activities include participation in international tourism fairs, showcasing Vietnam’s tourism potential, engaging key opinion leaders (KOLs), hosting fam trips, and launching online marketing campaigns. Vietnam’s tourism sector will also focus on key high-potential markets and regions with significant visitor volumes.
2024 has been recognised as a highly successful year for Vietnam’s tourism promotion. Highlights include Vietnam’s participation in prestigious global tourism fairs such as the World Travel Market (WTM) London, China International Travel Mart (CITM), and ASEAN-China Tourism Fair. Vietnam also hosted promotional programmes in North America, Australia, China, Europe, ASEAN, and India, as well as cultural festivals in Tokyo, Kanagawa (Japan), and the Republic of Korea.
A standout initiative was the Vietnam Tourism-Cinema Promotion Programme held in Los Angeles, US, in September which featured a showcase of Vietnam’s film locations and policies to support international film production.
Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), noted that Vietnam’s tourism website, https://vietnam.travel, achieved remarkable results in 2024. According to rankings by Similarweb in March, the site stood at 132,676th globally, surpassing Thailand’s tourism website (136,108th) and significantly outperforming the Philippines (808,295th) and Malaysia (881,886th).
The VNAT’s digital media platforms have attracted a substantial followings and have become a trusted source for media outlets, local governments, and businesses, he added./.
