Breakthroughs on March Trip

With the March training trip coming to a close, the Capilano University and Hanoi Open University volunteer students and faculty have had time to reflect on a very successful mission into the Sa Pa villages.

Some of the positives include:

• Outstanding work and initiative by student volunteers Jase, Kyla, (CapU) and Nga (HOU)!
• Overwelming support by the locals; government; private sector; and Sapa Sport, Tourism and Culture!
• True Vietnamese hospitality at every turn!

Some village and project breakthroughs that must be noted:

• Ta Phin village local government and CBT Board have come up with a tourism mission statement and a set of objectives for tourism development.
• Homestay owners have come together in a co-operative marketing initiative. A familiarization (FAM) trip for Sa Pa tour operators is planned for May.
• Local entrepreneurs and small business owners take the lead in making signage for thier businesses and business ideas. And they are in English!
• Ta Phin street-sellers participated ina mock market demonstration.
• Lao Cai community has responded to the Homestay training by doubling, then almost tripling the class size.
• Ta Phin community has made community-led conclusions on a proposal for a Community, Tourism and Culture House.
• Local and Regional government supports Capilao University and the Ta Phin's proposal!

Here are a couple of pictures from the trip:

Check out more pictures at www.cbtvietnam.com!

Great work team!