Eco-tourism proves effective in new countryside model

Phong Dien District has implemented a new economic model which combines gardening and ecological tourism. The idea illustrated the locals’ creativity to work with firms in providing eco-tours.

For five years, the local authority has encouraged households to develop a new gardening model. Each family can earn thousands of US dollars from their garden through the tours. Many businesses were also urged to invest in the regional tourism industry.

"To apply the new countryside model, local residents should not fully rely on the support from the government. They should be at the forefront of economic development in the region", Dao Anh Dung - Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee - said.

The authorities and residents of Phong Dien are determined to develop a sustainable new countryside model, with priority given to improvements in people’s quality of life. Initial results have proved the effectiveness of the model. The percentage of poor households has fallen to 3.36% and is expected to further fall to 2% in the coming time.