Traditional longhouses and cultural heritage values. are being preserved in Tong Ju village of Dak Lak's Ea Kao ward. (Photo: VNA)

The central province of Dak Lak has gradually tapped into its tourism potential by building on the distinctive traditional culture of ethnic minority communities.

Preserving and promoting indigenous cultural identities has not only contributed to safeguarding heritage but also opened up pathways for sustainable socio-economic development, particularly in villages.

To make effective use of its natural and cultural advantages, Dak Lak has rolled out a range of policies to facilitate community-based tourism. The province issued a resolution on supporting the development of community-based tourism in ethnic minority villages for the 2021–2025 period, selecting five out of 17 eligible villages for priority investment.

To date, Ako Dhong, Tri, and Kuop villages have been officially recognised as community-based tourism sites, offering sightseeing, culinary and homestay services.

Tourists enjoy coffee at the M’Nga Tang Bi stilt house in Ako Dhong village, Buon Ma Thuot ward, Dak Lak province. (Photo: VNA)

In addition, under the national target programme for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the 2021–2030 period, Dak Lak authorities have assisted with building exemplary tourism destinations in Tong Ju village of Ea Kao ward and Jun village of Lien Son Lak commune. Both locations have seen the necessary investment completed and been formally launched to welcome visitors.

H’Ler Eban, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Ea Kao ward, said Tong Ju has been recognised as a model tourism destination and continues to receive assistance for project development and tourism planning.

Ea Kao aims to develop between one and three community-based tourism villages during 2026–2030. It will work closely with relevant departments to carry out policies, supporting residents in cultural preservation linked with economic development, job creation, and sustainable poverty reduction, she added.

Tran Hong Tien, Director of the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, noted that the province is home to 49 ethnic groups, creating a rich diversity of cultural identities. This represents a major advantage for developing cultural and community-based tourism.

He said through these models, locals can uphold their cultural heritage while increasing income and improving living standards.

In the time ahead, Tien added, authorities will continue optimising support from the State and the national target programme to help villages maintain and bring into play their cultural values in tourism development.

In a word, developing tourism in tandem with cultural preservation is opening up a sustainable pathway for many villages in Dak Lak. As cultural identity is strengthened, tourism not only generates income but also helps safeguard the unique values of ethnic communities.