UNESCO, ILO and FAO joint workshop on sustainable tourism in Hoi An

The event is co-organised by the Quang Nam Provincial People’s Committee and three UN Agencies, UNESCO, ILO and FAO.

The workshop will include discussion on the development of a joint brand for community benefit tourism products, the re-design and strengthening of visitor information centres, introduction of innovative and culturally appropriate tourism packages, and identifying areas in need of future support. A collection of newly developed locally made handicrafts will also be exhibited.

The first day will be facilitated by QUO, a renowned international strategic branding and communications company specialising in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. QUO will assist the diverse stakeholders in developing strategic branding guidelines for locally made products aimed at the tourist market. The joint brand for signature products will emphasise the regions’ unique identity and encourage tourists to buy locally made products.  

The second day involves in-depth consultation with representatives from local craft and agricultural villages, including Hoi An lanterns, Kim Bong woodcarving, Catu brocade weavers, Hiep Duc rattan weavers, Tien Phuoc producers, and Thanh Ha and Duy Xuyen pottery. In addition, representatives from the private sector, such as hotels and souvenir shops, will also be consulted. Discussion will focus on product development, marketing and sales strategies, site ticketing and tourist information provisions.

This workshop is significant because of the constructive and innovative partnerships between a wide-ranging group of stakeholders. Participation includes representatives from local communities, provincial departments, all three UN organisations active in Quang Nam, the EU-funded project Environmental and Social Responsible Tourism and the private sector. It is envisaged that the coordinated working relationship between these groups will increase the benefits from tourism to the local community.