What does responsible, community tourism really mean?
For us, it’s about creating experiences that benefit travelers while uplifting and sustaining the communities we work with. It’s about collaboration, respect, and empowering local voices to lead, ensuring tourism’s impact remains positive and meaningful.
A Humble Beginning
Four years ago, we began our journey with Mr. Lang and Mrs. Huong, a fishing couple living by the Tam Giang Lagoon. Mr. Lang’s story was remarkable: a lifelong “fish tail chaser” who had spent decades living on the water. At the time, he had a large, aging boat and a tiny sampan for daily fishing. Despite his initial hesitation, he agreed to host tourists in his village, offering boat rides and sharing fishing techniques. Yet, the challenges were evident: minimal infrastructure and limited resources for improving the experience.
We stepped in to co-create. With the help of another farmer, we built a simple but sturdy pontoon, upgraded the sampan with comfortable seating, and ensured essentials like life vests and clean facilities were ready. These efforts weren’t about turning Mr. Lang into a tourism worker but about preserving his way of life while sharing it authentically.
Building Trust and Mutual Understanding
The early days were challenging. Communication gaps and mismatched expectations led to hesitancy among some guides. But over time, our team and Mr. Lang found a rhythm. By listening to his stories and embracing his unique character, we uncovered a wellspring of cultural insights and life lessons. Gradually, trust grew, and so did the smiles.
Mrs. Huong, initially a quiet observer, began playing a pivotal role. She learned to adapt activities to tourist needs, guiding others in the village on how to prepare and participate. What started with one family expanded to involve more fishermen, creating a ripple effect of shared skills and benefits.
The Ripple Effect
Today, the impact of this collaboration is visible. Mr. Lang’s new sampan glides smoothly across shallow waters, funded by earnings from hosting guests. Mrs. Huong’s growing confidence has turned her into a community leader, organizing group activities for travelers. Their home has been beautified—not for tourists, but as a reflection of their improved quality of life.
These changes signify a deeper transformation: an empowered community sharing its traditions while safeguarding its soul.
Soft Adventure, Authentic Connection
Visitors come here not for luxury but for connection. They value the authenticity of learning fishing techniques, savoring home-cooked meals, and immersing themselves in the fisherfolk’s survival routines. These experiences unveil hidden gems and best-kept secrets, leaving travelers with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for local life.
Reflections on Responsible Tourism
What do we call this? Community-based, led, or driven tourism? Or perhaps responsible, meaningful, or purposeful travel? The truth is, it’s not about the label but the why and how. For over a decade, Slow Travel Hue has collaborated with rural communities and grassroots suppliers, ensuring tourism empowers rather than exploits. The result is an experience where the community uplifts us as much as we aim to uplift them.
In the era of regenerative travel, it’s tempting to tag experiences with phrases like “net-zero,” “nature-positive,” or “carbon-neutral.” But the most enduring legacy is a shared sense of pride, purpose, and possibility—a tourism model where local voices guide the narrative, and travelers leave a positive mark.
As we toast a sundowner on the sampans of Tam Giang Lagoon, surrounded by the golden hues of dusk, it’s clear: this journey is not just about creating experiences; it’s about fostering relationships, preserving traditions, and shaping a future where tourism truly becomes a force for good.
