CBT Viet Nam Blog

Profile- Ly Ta May

2011-07-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

Now that the June team has just wrapped up work in Vietnam, I have taken some time to reflect on my experiences in the village and some of the impacts it had on me. In Ta Phin, I was overwhelmed by the kindness displayed by the local Red Dao women. Even though some of them had very little English, their warmth and came through their non-verbal gestures. Although I can say with confidence that I felt a connection with everyone I met, there were some women that stood out to me more than others. One of these women was Ly Ta May.

Ly Ta May had a sense of determination and eagerness to learn that could not be matched. Living a whopping hour long away from the central area, she walked in everyday to attend class and did everything in her power to encourage her friends and family to join in as well.

With three kids and a husband who is an expert in silver, Ly Ta May also owns a little building where many of the street sellers congregate around to escape from the rain and embroider. She is enthusiastic to transform this into a shop where she can sell her essential oils. She works hard with other women in the community to grow the herbs she needs for these oils and even created a partnership with a German company who help facilitate her project.

When we held our sign making shop on one of the last days in the village, she was the first there with all of her tools ready to go. She even sketched out her “vision” and looked for advice on how to make business cards. Ly Ta May was so busy trying to help everyone else with their signs that hers began to take the backburner; Testament to her compassion and regard for others. We were determined to see hers come to life, and even though it took a couple of attempts, the final product was better than her initial vision.

Ly Ta May is a true leader and has now become someone in the village who many of the other women come to ask for English lessons.

I think there are misconceptions about minority groups like the Red Dao- Although they have very little education and resources, they are not to be underestimated. They are savvy business women, intelligent, and they work very hard for everything they have. They have the “street smarts” that so many more fortunate people lack. When I think about the future of this project, I think about women like Ly Ta May and how with continued education and support there is really no telling what they could accomplish.

Help us win $50,000 to continue our work in these communities!

2011-06-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

We have placed an entry in Ashoka Changemakers competition on Powering Economic Opportunity. Our entry has been made in the hopes to continue our work in the villages in Northern Viet Nam - to continue helping the villagers make their own changes in a way that works for them. We are really excited to be able to participate in such a worthy competition in which we are up against so many other great causes!

If you want to help us earn that $50,000 we welcome and encourage you to take a few minutes of your time, check out our entry, "like" our entry, and leave a comment. If you are a tourist to Ta Phin or Lao Chai and have met some students from Capilano University or Hanoi Open University on your travels, please share your experiences with us through the comments on the Changemakers website. If you have been involved in our projects as a volunteer, please share what change your involvement has created in your life and in the lives of those you worked with. We look forward to hearing from you!

Here is the link to our entry: http://bit.ly/llC7f0

Day One Updates!

2011-06-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update from here in the village. We are working away with setting up a market/information house for the tourists. Despite not many tourists visiting the village today, we have already had a sale and a donation. This is a great start and we are really excited about the potential success of this new set-up.

Off to Sa Pa we go!

2011-06-11T00:38:00.000-07:00

A few updates from us here in Viet Nam...

The team is very excited to be joined by Casey Dorin!

Casey is the former Dean of Tourism and co-author of the proposal for the PATA Foundation project. After a late flight into Hanoi on Thursday night, he has adjusted quickly and is looking forward to a great trip.

Yesterday, we were lucky enough to be able to attend the Hanoi Open University graduation thesis presentations, followed by a delicious lunch with the HOU faculty and guests from the public and private sector of the Viet Nam tourism industry.

The team will be catching the legendary "soft-sleeper" train up to Sa Pa this evening. After a brief stop to freshen up, we will be heading straight up to Ta Phin to get right into the next phase of training! Wahoo!

Work, work, work!

2011-06-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had an exciting day again! Taryn and Louise met the Footprint family for the first time and we all had lunch together (some duck for good luck - viet?) in a restuarant that overlooked the Red River.

Following that meeting we had a great meeting with Ngoc Anh from HOU. We're all looking forward to working together in Sapa next week! In addition to working with Hanoi Open University, we are very happy to accept the invitation to attend this years graduation ceremony starting tomorrow!

Today we'll be working on honing our activity and lesson plans, and staying hydrated in the 38 degree humid heat of Hanoi - we are definitely not in Canada anymore!

GOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING VIET NAM!

2011-06-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

We have arrived in Hanoi, Viet Nam and are checked in and ready to get to work! Our Canadian team has assembled, met and on break! We know you are all watching the hockey game back in Canada, but we have work to do (so send us a score update please?)!

Hanoi is hot, humid and busy. We have a few days here and are really looking forward to the Hanoi Open University Graduation ceremonies this week - Congradulations to the grads! This morning we will meet with Ngoc Anh and jump right into work.

For now, wish us luck - we have pictures and more info to come - and can't wait to hear your comments on the newly posted video! (Which, within 24 hours has had hits from 9 countries! Keep it coming)

Thanks for your support!
CBT Team :)

Hong Kong!

2011-06-06T16:19:00.001-07:00

Taryn and Louise have arrived in Hong Kong! We are really excited - the airport is beautiful and the trip so far has gone well. We're really looking forward to our second - relatively short - flight to Hanoi! We'll be arriving in about 4 hours, and can't wait to connect with the rest of our CBT Vietnam team. Missing Jen and Kim already :) Sorry they couldn't join and wishing the best to you both!
More updates and details to come from Hanoi - the Graduation and our first days experiencing Vietnamese culture - here we come Vietnam!

May trip is underway!

2011-05-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Hanoi Open University (HOU) team has arrived in Ta Phin and are currently carrying out the next phase of training in the village. The team is teaching modules that build on the lessons completed in the March trip. Stay tuned for pictures from their trip.

Meanwhile, back in Canada, the Capilano University team (Louise Wirtz, Jen Reilly, and Taryn Bodrug) are busy preparing for our upcoming trip in June. We will be departing in the incredibly early morning of June 6th, and should arrive in Hanoi by the morning of June 7th. Over the next couple weeks will be busy organizing visas, travel insurance, and finalizing our lesson plans --not to mention getting very excited!

Jase Wilson's post trip reflections

2011-05-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

It is near impossible for me to explain or describe my feelings surrounding the CBT March trip. I have avoided having to answer any real questions for the last couple of weeks since I have arrived back at home. Mostly I just find that explanations and descriptions simply escapes me. I realized that nothing could have prepared me for what I was going to experience on this trip and the little I assumed to know paled in comparison to the actual reality.

It was personally fulfilling to visit the villages with the intention of doing good, yet at the same time it was embarrassing for me to assume that I was the one that knew best. Often I felt a very soft young man amongst strong and capable people. It is easy for me to recall visions of those we have worked most closely with. Many of them possess wise and caring faces with deep laugh lines etched into their cheeks, and stained hands carrying traces of what they know most - their land and their embroidery. Their ability to create products out of their natural environment, their resourcefulness and work ethic made me question my ability to have the answers. I found it odd to be teaching people that were my elders and more capable than I – however, in the context of tourism I am certain that our knowledge was incredibly valuable to them.

Are we making a difference in the villages we work in? The question burns in all of our minds and it has to. We cannot assume to be doing any justice if the hard questions remain unasked. In this regard, conviction is our most powerful tool and nothing has helped us more than this. We have all come to the conclusion that, above all else, what we needed to know beyond a doubt is that we have done everything in our power to make this project a success for the people of Ta Phin and Lao Chai. Beyond this level of effort exists an outcome that could not have been attained regardless.

It may seem as though I am challenging our presence in the villages and challenging the idea that our project can help improve the quality of life in the villages. We all fear that our best will not be good enough - not because the training we're delivering is not essential, but more because the issues are so vast and what is at stake is so precious. Change is imminent for the communities regardless of our presence, and at the moment villages like Ta Phin lack the capacity to steer tourism in a desired direction. In this model of tourism development the villager is at a significant disadvantage. Our training evens the playing field - providing a voice and an arena for the Red Dao or Black Hmong to express their interests and concerns in the community. Our project doesn’t just revolve around teaching the villagers about tourism businesses or home-stays, it also gives power and choice to the less fortunate. I fully believe that we are playing an essential role in the consultation process for the leaders in the community and contributing to a gradual improvement on the quality of life in the villages.

It is impressive to think of how the Red Dao or Hmong peoples have been living traditionally in the region for hundreds of years –subsequently- change comes very slowly. I watched intently – as we all did - for small victories. The trip had many big successes that involved community stakeholders at every level and I was fortunate enough to witness the process. It is, however, natural to be in a position of wanting - wanting to see success and to see immediate results - and I found this the hardest part of the trip. I constantly had to remind myself that wanting to see us rushing into big changes was selfish and naive. Rarely do rushed results make sustainable long term impacts and no community serves as a better example of this than the village of Ta Phin. How do we know what is best and what will work in the community? Quite simple: we ask them.

Is it up to us - Capilano U, HOU, the student volunteers and PATA - to make the difference? Yes, certainly we are all acting as a catalyst for change in the region and our involvement makes us partly responsible for what that change may mean or look like. I personally feel, however, that success does not belong to us. Some portions of it may, but unless the success belongs to the H'Mong and Red Dao peoples or their local government then we will not have actually succeeded. At times it was hard to swallow the feeling of wanting and hoping for something dramatic to happen while I was there. Again, however, success does not exist if we impose change on our own terms - changes must be adopted by the local stakeholders and must be representative of their wishes. We cannot assume ownership over what success is - if this happens then success stops the day the project is finished. I have to remind myself that our goal is to build upon local capacity to manage tourism over the long term, not to manage tourism for them while we are there.

Since arriving home a couple of weeks ago I have been attempting to absorb everything that has happened. In my reflections I have decided to remove all of my personal reservations as to what success for the community may look like. Everyone in the CBT team played their roles exceptionally well and we have every reason to count the small victories on the trip. Change does not happen overnight and offering our best will contribute to creating a better tomorrow for all of the stakeholders involved. Many questions are yet unanswered and only the future holds the truth for such things. For now, at the very least, I can say with full confidence that the part I played in this project has proven to be a highlight of not only my education but of my life as well.

At any rate the time has come to move forward and focus on the upcoming Hanoi Open University (HOU) team trip in May and the coming Capilano U/HOU team trip in June. I am sure that Capilano U students Taryn Bodrug and Louise Wirtz will have every bit as great an experience as all of us involved in the March trip. I can’t wait to see what happens next…..

Dr. Chris Bottrill, Dean, Capilano University presents to PATA in Beijing

2011-04-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Just days ago, Dr. Chris Bottrill (Capilano Universities Dean of Tourism and CBT Viet Nam's Project Director) presented on the CBT Viet Nam project-to-date in Beijing, China. Scheduled for two presentations, Chris presented to a welcoming and enthusiastic PATA Board, and then at the PATA Gala Dinner in the grand ballroom of the Raffles Beijing Hotel. The delegates in attendance (approximately 300) were very responsive to the presentation. Included in the audience were big names such as: CEO of PATA, Terry Francis, former Chair, the new Chair, CEO's and senior management of many of PATA's member organizations and companies, and Miss Somoa, the face of PATA.

Exciting stuff!

Here are some pictures below.

Breakthroughs on March Trip

2011-04-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

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!

Homestay Training with the Hmong in Lao Chai, Sa Pa

2011-03-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

Just as we were about to start the Homestay training class in the Hmong village of Lao Chai (Sa Pa) the class size doubled...then almost tripled!

With at least 40 participants the training in Lao Chai was highly successful. Community members from all over the community, with their involvement in the one-day intensive training session, have shown their support for the Capilano / PATA project, and have shown their eagerness to further contribute to the Sa Pa's tourism economy. Lao Chai, as a overnight destination for trekkers will help to open up new trekking routes in Sa Pa, in turn helping to see tourism dollars spread around the region - and, into some of the region's poorest communities.

The day included a mix of classroom and practical training. Shown in the videos below is Ms. Ngoc Anh conducting a class in Vietnamese and a clip showing some of the Hmong women translating from English to Hmong.

A big thanks goes to Chi and Do (pronounced Za) for their help in notifying community members about the training. The day before the training they walked throughout the village and made numerous phone calls to ensure that the class was full - which it was!

"O Chau!"

Community House in Ta Phin

2011-03-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

Any tourist or tour guide traveling to the village of Ta Phin in the Sa Pa district of Viet Nam has likely experienced the crowding of street sellers desperately trying to sell their beautiful hand-embroidered products. The chorus of “you buy from me” is normal here in Ta Phin and, in the past, the selling has been intense enough to discourage tourists and tour companies from visiting the village. From the first moment that visitors arrive in the village they are crowded by sellers who are willing to let their handicrafts (that in some cases can take up to six months to make) sell for less than the price of a Big Mac. Both those who have experienced the street selling and those who are aware of the situation can imagine how challenging this situation is to manage.

Judging by the feedback we have received from many tourists, the beautifully dressed Red Dao ladies are inseparable from tourism in Ta Phin and make wonderful walking companions. For many tourists, these women are often the main attraction to the majestic hills of the area. Many tourists say they have encountered more aggressive selling in other destinations, while other visitors are completely overwhelmed by the crowding of sellers. Regardless, most people feel that there is simply not enough money to go around - a tourist simply cannot buy from every Red Dao woman they encounter...

At this time, our team has worked in Ta Phin for almost 10 years which has given us a high level of involvement and commitment to this community’s success and put the issue of street selling close to our hearts. This, along with our combined knowledge and understanding of tourism planning in similar destinations, as well as the concern by tour operators and local government, has made street selling a priority and our team continues to work towards a solution.

Since the start of this project, our team has been creating a plan to help solve this problem that is harming the heart of Ta Phin’s potential as a successful tourism destination. We have consulted as many stakeholders as possible during the decision making process to come closer to a long term solution that benefits all people of the community. Over the months we have talked to and worked with the different stakeholders: local tribal groups (Red Dao, Black Hmong), the shamans and priests, the Vietnamese shop owners, the local Ta Phin government, the district of Sa Pa’s Sport, Cultural and Information department, Ha Noi Open University and our representatives from Capilano University, to develop the vision for a local Community House to be a market for the selling of traditional foods and products.

We came up with three separate design concepts based on traditional models, and a number of possible locations for the Community House. On March 21st a community meeting was held to present the design and location possibilities to the community. Fifty people from all stakeholder groups attended the meeting that lasted three hours. The local government and the Sa Pa Sport, Cultural and Information department (whom we have worked extensively with on this proposal) attended, and they stated that there is a possibility that they will be able to donate a section of land to the project. At the end of the meeting the community agreed to manage the upkeep of the building and to pay for the electricity costs. This shows the level of excitement and commitment that the stakeholders have to the Community House vision.

In the community there are remnants of projects that have not met the objectives of stakeholders, such as buildings and markets which are no longer used - created by people with good intentions but who failed to fully understand the community’s needs and the possible issues that may arise. There is a fear amongst our team members that our efforts will have similar negative results. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that among our team leaders (such as Ngoc Anh and Chris Carnovale) are experts that have lived in the village, worked in the fields, speak the local dialects and have done so for almost 10 years. We feel that we possess an understanding of the community that our predecessors have may not have had. Our hope is that the proposed Community House will take a large number of sellers off of the street while also creating a local attraction for tourism. The market would be a more comfortable atmosphere for the tourist to shop and view the beautiful handmade traditional embroidery.

The Community House building, however, means nothing without the local people. It is essential now more than ever to continue to development the skills and capabilities of the local people so that they can manage tourism businesses and host tourists in their community. Without additional training the Community House proposal would risk not reaching its objectives and would fail to improve the quality of life in for villagers in Ta Phin.

Community stakeholders are excited about the Community House proposal. The CBT team is certain that with continued involvement, the Community House could be a great achievement for the community - one that is defined by the exceptional amount of participation by all community stakeholders.

By: Jase Wilson

First Hand Impressions, by Kyla Derkach

2011-03-21T23:53:00.001-07:00

Written from the perspective of Kyla Derkach, Capilano student and volunteer, this post will highlight some of the experiences that she has had over the first few days in Ta Phin village.

Firstly, I feel it is necessary to acknowledge the extensive amount of work completed before entering the village. Training modules, web development, logistics and marketing were just some of the focus areas. In order to execute this work successfully, context and background were vital, especially because I had never been to Ta Phin, and in my case even Vietnam. Photos, diagrams, explanations and stories were some of the methods employed to convey the “Ta Phin” picture. Now more than ever, I can say with confidence that no amount of rationalization could ever prepare you for what it is really like. Ta Phin is a place where a picture could do no justice and words are difficult to articulate, but I will try my best.

The friendly people, Red Dao and Black H’mong, in their colourful dress that sometimes takes up to a year to make by hand; the rolling emerald and jade hills made up of rice patties that sparkle under the warm Asian sun; the sounds of motorbikes and laughing children so content with life’s simplicities - these are some of my first impressions.

There has been major progress in the little amount of time we have spent here. This afternoon a community meeting was held, where liaisons and agreements between authorities and locals were made in terms of design of the proposed community house and logistics in terms of managing it. We have made it through four lessons including street sellers, homestays, kids (which included a street clean) and finally an events lesson. The events lesson was specifically noteworthy to me personally, as the students prepared a party in honour of my 24^th birthday. With rice wine flowing, foods including local specialties like fresh buffalo and traditional song, the night was surely special but for much more than just this alone. The locals used the tools they gained through the learning materials to completely plan and execute the event themselves, true testament to the learning curve that is occurring.

So far the encounters here have created a deep and permanent change inside my heart. Seeing the children learn a new English word, or seeing the satisfaction on the faces of the Red Dao for the help that they so appreciate, these things money can’t buy. I had a one-on-one session with a woman named Ta May yesterday who has plans to create her own store. Together, we designed her sign and business cards.

As I write, a huge breakthrough with the street-sellers is taking place. We have brought tables to the tour bus parking lot, typically where the women strike and set up a “market.” They are learning to work together, merchandise, market and with the help of a few more English words like “handmade” we hope to see them sell more today than ever.

As much development has been made already, there is still a need for advancement in a number of areas. I hope to spread the word to as many as possible, in hopes of creating more support in the many forms it can take. I have three days left in the village, and I can tell you with certainty my work here is far from done.

The clouds have lifted over Sa Pa, full speed ahead...

2011-03-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

As promised the weather has turned for the better here in Sa Pa. The CBT Viet Nam team has now officially arrived in Sa Pa after a 10 hour night train from Ha Noi. Almost instantly the weather improved and the viel that has enclosed the valley for days was pulled away with little resistance.

The team had a day to visit the local villages from past projects and from current projects (Ta Van, Lao Chai, Ta Phin) to check up and see some old friends. Young Hmong girls crowd the tourists anxiously attempting to sell something after a week of bad weather and slow tourism. It is clear to see improvement in the homestays and in visitor management however there is still room for improvement. There are many trekkers in the villages now enjoying the taste of clear mountain air (Sa Pa rests at 1600 metres above sea level).

Today for the first time the CBT Viet Nam team is complete with its HOU counterparts and after having met with the local goverment department of Sport, Culture and Information Technology we are pleased to find that we will be joined by an additional three trainers provided from the government. This excellent news will help alleviate the pressure from a very ambitious schedule.

For the next six days the team will be staying in homestays in Ta Phin and Lao Chia delivering modules that we have been working on for nearly four months prior. The team is excited to have the blessings of the local government and is ready to get down to work.

Stay tuned for more details......

The CBT team on route to Sa Pa via the over night train from Ha Noi.

More photos from the HOU talent night!

2011-03-17T01:58:00.000-07:00

A night full of beautiful performances from the students in the tourism faculty at Hanoi Open University surprised everyone in the CBT Viet Nam Capilano University team. Here are a few photos from our favorite performances.

A group of students line up for preliminary prizes for their efforts.

Chris and Jase giving a 'seat of the pants' performance of "Heavens Door" for a very welcoming crowd. Dr. Thanh (Former Dean of Tourism at HOU) presents the pair with a flower each for their efforts.

HOU Idol!

2011-03-17T01:05:00.000-07:00

Last night (March 16th) Ha Noi Open University's (HOU) Faculty of Tourism hosted the finale to a competitive series of performances. The Capilano Project Team who was in Ha Noi were cordially invited to 'attend'. The performances by the HOU students were brilliant! The guest performance by a couple members of the Capilano team were...well, see for yourself.

This was a night no one will soon forget. The Capilano University team is incredibly thankful. We especially would like to thank Mr. Thanh (President of HOU), Dr. Thanh (former Dean of Tourism), Vice Deans Mr. Dan and Ms. Ngoc Anh, HOU tourism faculty, and all of the students and performers from HOU Faculty of Tourism.

Cam on rat nhieu!

Snow in Sa Pa?!?

2011-03-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

With a day to go until we catch the train in Sa Pa we receive news that Sa Pa has SNOW?!?! Looks as though training might be a little colder than expected.

Check out this link below to see more pics.

March team arrival, let it begin!

2011-03-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

Team from left to right: Kyle Sandilands, Chris Carnovale, Kyla Derkach, Jen Reilly and Jase Wilson.

The Capilano University CBT Viet Nam team has endured 22 hours of flying, driving and layovers to arrive in Ha Noi, Tuesday March 15th at 12:30 pm (15 hours ahead of the West Coast). Our team is consisting of five eager members including: Jen Reilly, Chris Carnovale, Kyla Derkach, Jase Wilson and of course the last minute edition of our most welcome film maker Kyle Sandilands. Aside from a few 'misplaced' bags our team is beyond excited to finally be here and at the moment is soaking up everything Viet Nam...including torential downpour!

The schedule planned for the next two weeks would make competitors on the amazing race cringe and we are looking forward to the challenge. The entire team would again like to thank our loved ones for supporting us, and Capilano University and the PATA foundation for funding this one of a kind project. More posts to follow......

Kyle Sandilands, filmmaker; joins the team!

2011-03-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

With very short notice, the CBT Viet Nam team is super excited to welcome Kyle Sandilands (a recent graduate from Capilano University's Film Program) to the team. He will be joining us tonight as we depart to Viet Nam. His mission is to take his extraordinary film-making skills and produce some video pieces and media material for the project.
Kyle Sandilands is a Vancouver-based filmmaker interested in telling stories that are both entertaining and thought provoking through the areas of directing, cinematography, and editing. A recent grad of Capilano University's Motion Picture Production program, Kyle has worked on a variety of projects in various capacities. In 2010, Kyle found himself working as a camera assistant for Olympic Broadcasting Service's coverage of the ice hockey matches at Vancouver's Winter Olympics, and this past summer, Kyle worked with the Academy Award-winning visual effects company, Weta Digital, and the team responsible for bringing films such as Avatar and Lord of the Rings to life, among others. Balancing work on Hollywood features, television movies, and other gigs, Kyle has also shot and directed a number of independent projects, including short films, music videos, and documentaries, and he has seen his work screen around the world. With a love for travel and a desire to tell interesting stories through a moving image, Kyle is honored and excited to be a part of the team and hopes to bring a strong work ethic and great attitude to the project.

You can check out his website at: www.kylesandilands.ca

For the last three days it has been a whirlwind of planning and preparation for Kyle and the project team. In less than 72 hours Kyle has met with a few of the members of team, got all of his vaccinations, prepared all of the equipment he will need, and attained all of the necessary documents, permits, and insurances. Below is a photo of the gear he plans on taking to Viet Nam.

Kyle, glad to have you (and all that gear) on board; welcome!

Hanoi Open University Students Hard at Work

2011-03-08T19:59:00.000-08:00

The countdown for departure has already begun for the Canadian team from Capilano University to leave for Viet Nam. In 6 days they will board a flight to Ha Noi. Meanwhile, at Hanoi Open University (HOU) in Ha Noi, the Viet Nam project team of student volunteers are busy at work translating modules.

Over the past month, modules for the local government, small business owners, the community, village youth, and Ta Phin's newly-formed homestay committee have been developed. Worked, re-worked, re-arranged, evaluated, discussed, debated, work-shopped, edited, and formatted; on Sunday all the modules were finally ready to be sent for translating.

For the next week, the student volunteers, under the leadership and guidance of lead-consultant and HOU Tourism Dean Mrs. Ngoc Anh, will be going through all the modules and making them bilingual. The enormous task is being taken on by Trang, Hong Anh, and Toan (pictured below). Their efforts are invaluable to the PATA funded project.

It is hoped that when the project is nearing completion in 2012, an illustrated Community Based training handbook (with lesson plans) will be created, in both English and Vietnamese, that can be transfered to other Tourism and Community Development projects.

Preparations for March trip well underway

2011-02-24T10:08:00.001-08:00

As the March 14th departure date rapidly approaches preparations and planning for the Training Trip are in motion. Visas and airfares have been booked, hotel rooms and itineraries are being finalized, and the training modules are in development.

Students in Capilano University's second-year Tourism Planning class have also made their contribution. A 3 hour workshop was organized which allowed for short presentations on Viet Nam and tourism in Viet Nam, as well as the project. Participants then analyzed the situation in Sa Pa playing the role of each of the stakeholders (tour guides, international and domestic tourists, community, street vendors, homestay owners, local government, etc.). The new perspectives will be shared and integrated into brainstorming sessions as we continue to seek out new solutions.

Currently, the primary task of the project team is to complete a series of modules planned for the March trip. Training packages in Event Planning and Management, Local Government Tourism Planning Processes, Homestay Management, Understanding the Tourist, Business Planning, Environmental Stewardship, and the Importance of Culture are in the final stages of development and are days away from completion. They will be sent to a team of student volunteers from Hanoi Open University for translating and illustrating.

Everyone involved has put enormous amounts of volunteered effort into the project over the past month. Still, as the excitement builds for the departure date, any challenge that is put in front of the team is easily and enthusiastically dealt with.

Recognising two outstanding student volunteers!

2011-02-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

CBT Viet Nam would like to recognize the following student volunteer for his efforts in creating our fantastic new webpage which can be found at www.cbtvietnam.com.

Guillaume St-Louis

Guillaume is a recent graduate from Capilano University’s Destination Resort Management (DRM) program which is a 16 month diploma that focuses on marketing, management and entrepreneurial skills. With over 5 years experience in the hospitality industry Gui felt the need to bring his career to the next level with formal education in the hopes of one day tackling a managerial position in the tourism industry. In the DRM program Gui was able to obtain a 3-month co-operative work term with Whistler’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Tourism Whistler. Here he was able to develop his interest for tourism marketing and gain practical experience in the field. His enthusiasm for marketing allowed him to excel within the DRM curriculum achieving Deans Honors recognition for his diploma. Gui’s interest in marketing as a career path works considerably well with his previous education and experience in website design. Guillaume wishes to pursue an exciting career in the tourism industry following his interests and expertise in hospitality and tourism marketing. Please visit his e-portfolio at http:/zenportfolios.com/gstlouis/

The CBT Viet Nam team would also like to recognize Jennifer Miller who is student volunteer assisting our team with module development.

Jennifer Miller

Jennifer Miller is a first year Capilano University student who is enrolled in the Outdoor Recreation Management program. Jen has experienced firsthand world famous activities such as: snorkeling Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and elephant trekking in Thailand’s northern mountains. Jen is enjoying every minute of being involved with the CBT Viet Nam team and contributing by sharing her personal experiences in Viet Nam. When not hitting the books one could find Jen teaching snowboarding or planning another big adventure. The Viet Nam team feels very fortunate to have Jen’s support and positive attitude to help us realize our goals in the communities of Ta Phin and Loa Chai.

Two Cap U students off to ‘Nam | Our Town | Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC

2011-02-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

Those who make the argument that school is boring would have a hard time convincing Capilano University Squamish campus students Jase Wilson and Kyla Derkach.

The duo will be travelling across the world to help provide practical tourism training to help two small communities in the Sapa region of Northern Vietnam reduce poverty, improve their quality of life, and help provide sustainable authentic cultural and nature based experiences for visitors to their communities.

Click here: Two Cap U students off to ‘Nam | Our Town | Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC to see the rest of the article.

Ta Phin community makes big steps towards tourism development

2011-02-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

Within six months the small community of Ta Phin has made some big steps, with a community-based approach, towards tourism development. The small business owners and entrepreneurs have begun to make progress in starting and / or improving their business plans; and, some of the youth have found part time and full time jobs as tour guides. Nevertheless, the community has made collective efforts that truly deserve noting:

1. The Creation of a CBT Management Board voted in by members of the community at a formal community meeting on tourism. The five member CBT Management Board includes representatives from the village authority, the village police (both Hmong), the homestay business owners, the embroidery products (both Dao women), and one young Dao woman representing cultural performances. The group will help in managing futher CBT village activities, be proactive to change and sustainable tourism development.

2. The development of a Ta Phin Calendar of Events for one year which outlines possible areas for tourism product development.

3. The creation of a Homestay Committee by the homestay owners which will work to manage the village's accommodation standards, as well as possibly take on some of Ta Phin homestay marketing and event initiatives.

4. An application for permission to build a Community, Tourism, and Culture House to the district authorities. This is a self-initiated step taken by the community and village authority to attain approval to build on a community-selected piece of land in the heart of Ta Phin.

All of these initiatives and actions reflect the village's response to the training the PATA / Capilano University project has delivered, the village's growth and building of its capacity, and the village's ability to become empowered to make decisions collectively in the are of tourism development.

Two more Capilano U students are selected to deliver June curriculum

2011-02-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

In June 2011 two more Capilano University students will travel to Viet Nam to deliver curriculum in what is expected to be a very exciting trip. Work may be coming to fruition concerning many on going projects in the region.

Introducing: Louise Wirtz

Louise is a goal orientated second year Capilano U student chasing a Bachelor Degree in Tourism Management. Louise’s experience teaching English in Malawi for a year is one of many reasons she is an excellent addition to Capilano U’s CBT team in Viet Nam. When she isn’t studying entrepreneurship or ecotourism, Louise can be found in the mountains hiking, rock climbing or planning her potential future as a small business owner in the accommodations sector. Louise has a positive attitude, exceptional work ethic and loves being part of a team. She is excited about the CBT project in Viet Nam and is thrilled by the opportunity to apply the skills she has gained during her first years of study at Capilano U.

And: Taryn Bodrug

Taryn is in the third year of a Bachelors Degree in Tourism Management building on her Diploma in Outdoor Recreation Management. Taryn is a world traveler and has traveled in the Middle East, Australia, Central America, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia. She has deeply enjoyed studying at Capilano U and developing her passion in subject areas such as: sea-kayaking, international ecotourism and cross-cultural tourism. Taryn has worked internationally as a sea-kayak guide and hopes to one day own and operate her own guiding company. A highly creative individual Taryn enjoys art, music and camping. She is content in challenging situations where she can express her personal energy and flexibility. Taryn is excited to participate in the CBT project in Viet Nam feeling that she brings great enthusiasm and strong communication skills to the team.

December Trip Complete!

2011-02-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

After a very cold December training trip, Ms. Ngoc Anh and her HOU student volunteers have returned to share the successes gained in the village of Ta Phin. During this trip their were no Canadian volunteers present, instead two members of Sapa Trade and Tourism support the training activities lead by Ms. Ngoc Anh.

Training in the village was targeted at the business owners, young women, and village

authorities. Tourism training was delivered in Business Development / Marketing, Tourism Planning, Event Management and Planning, Homestay Management and Planning, Appropriate Selling Skills / Understanding the Tourist, and English.

Two Capilano University students join the team for March training!

2011-01-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

The CBT Viet Nam project is happy to announce that two Capilano University students have been chosen to deliver the March training modules in Viet Nam. These students will travel with Capilano instructors to gain experience in the CBT project.

Introducing: Kyla Derkach

Kyla's interest in tourism is a result of extensive solo travels throughout the South Pacific, which propelled her into the Destination Resort Management Diploma with Capilano University. Classes such as Cross-Cultural Tourism, Human Resources, Sales and Promotions and Entrepreneurship have given context to Kyla's work and travel history. Kyla has significant experiences as a Visitor Information Counselor in Squamish BC, an Ambassador for Tourism BC in San Francisco and an Administrative Assistant at the Penticton Economic Development Office. In these positions she has helped to measure regional economic impacts of tourism, worked in events and initiated social media marketing campaigns. Kyla has a solid understanding of the many layers and intricacies of this field. Her keen enthusiasm and determination makes Kyla a valuable asset to any team and she looks forward to continuing her studies at Capilano University and attaining a Bachelors Degree in Tourism Management.

And: Jase Wilson

Jase is a hands-on jack of all trades with over eight years experience in various positions including: food and beverage, commercial tourism, sales, event management, leadership, public speaking and outdoor recreation. Jase has just finished Capilano University’s Destination Resort Management Diploma and feels that the diploma has added structure his personal experiences. In September 2011 he will pursue Capilano University's Bachelor of Tourism Management Degree.

Having successfully navigated an overland expedition from South Africa to Ethiopia and from India to Singapore, Jase is capable of taking on big tasks and overcoming barriers to see a project come to fruition. With a love of problem solving, travel and a passion for cultural exchange Jase looks forward to applying new skills in challenging environments. A list of his favorite classes thus far: Geography for Destination Resorts, Cross Cultural Tourism, Accounting and Environmental Stewardship. Topics he looks forward to studying: Advanced Topics in Cross Cultural Tourism, Human Geography and a second language. Jase is excited for all of the upcoming opportunities that are available to Capilano University students.

Team Viet Nam introductions: Hong Ahn & Trang

2011-01-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

Introducing: NGUYEN THI THU TRANG

Trang is a third year Hanoi Open University student studying business management with a major focus on tour guiding. She is finding an arena for her skills while working as a tour guide for the Viet Nam Charming Travel Company. In the past Trang has participated in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize National Contest on “Improving the use and protection of water resources” receiving a consolation prize for her efforts. Upon graduating from high school Trang’s father rewarded her with her first visit to the Sapa region, since that time it has been a favorite memory for her. Trang is very passionate about the Sapa region of Viet Nam and feels a deep personal reward for being able to participate in the CBT project.

All of the team members in Viet Nam and in Canada feel very fortunate to have Hong Ahn and Trang on board.

Now a Bio for: VUONG THI HONG ANH

Hong Ahn is a full time university student studying at Hanoi Open University (HOU). Hong Ahn is pursuing a Bachelor of Administration within the Faculty of Tourism with a Major in Hospitality. She has previous work experience within the tourism industry as a banquet server for the Melia Hotel in Ha Noi. Hong Ahn volunteered at the Thang Long 1000 Year Anniversary. She has worked part time as a translator for thesis projects and has also volunteered her expertise for previous CBT projects acting as a translator for lesson materials and in class for Capilano University instructors during 2010. She looks forward to future challenges that arise from the CBT projects and continued involvement with her peers at HOU and Capilano University.

Introducing our talented Viet Nam team leader: Ms Ngoc Ahn

2011-01-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

With her highly valuable expertise in tourism, Tran Nu Ngoc Anh has taken on a leadership role in the PATA / Capilano University CBT project. Ms. Ngoc Anh has significant experience working in the Sa Pa region of Viet Nam as the project coordinator for a previous CBT project from 2002-2008 (a Capilano U and Hanoi Open University (HOU) initiative funded by the Canadian International Development Agency), and in 2008 was awarded the Leadership Certificate for Outstanding Performance by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). She has authored and published two training manuals for hospitality training at HOU and in 2009 was granted a scholarship from the Ministry of Education to pursue a PHD in the United States. She has traveled and worked extensively in Asia including Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia and continues to expand her experiences exponentially.

In the new year, Ms. Ngoc Ahn was promoted to Vice Dean of Tourism at Hanoi Open University. She holds numerous memberships to professional bodies such as the Viet Nam Community Based Tourism Network, Viet Nam Hostelling International and the British Council in Viet Nam. Ms. Ngoc Ahn holds a Bachelor of Administration in Hospitality from HOU, a Bachelor of English from Vietnam’s National Foreign Language University, and an MBA from the Hanoi National Economic University.

PROFILE - Ly May Lai

2010-11-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Five years ago I befriended Ly Mai Lai. I was living in the village at the time and she was the shy girl who never really talked. I later found out that she had stopped going to school younger than the rest of the girls in her village. And, her English was almost nonexistent.

Because of her proximity to where I was staying we had the opportunity to become very good friends. In the fields, collecting wood, and at dinner, I would practise my Dao-ness, and she would be practising her English.

Today, Ly May Lai's English has become so good that she has just become a tour guide for international trekking tourists coming to Sapa. She has learned about tourists and tourism through running one of the most successful homestays in Ta Phin village.

Just after the CIDA funded Capilano University tourism capacity building project, Ly May Lai, learned from other Ta Phin homestay owners, to start her own. Her brother and father built a complementing addition onto their home; following traditional Red Dao architecture. Ly May Lai, met and networked with day-tripping tour guides and invited tourists to her house for lunch. The connections she made became business partnerships and her homestay has seen regular occupancy ever since.

She is however very busy, and especially with her new tour guiding job. This young entrepreneur has begun training her new sister-in-law in hosting guests, cooking and even English. In August (2010) she created a mini-business development plan outlining some short term goals which included: enhancing her menu options for homestay tourists, building a new herbal bath room, and decorating the guests' common area.
We will continue to post updates on May Lai's developments as she continues to excel as a youth leader in her community's tourism.

Context - Setting the Stage

2010-11-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

YVR; HKG; HAN is 14 hours.

Visa stamps, baggage collection, and then WHAM - you've just walked into a semi-solid wall of humidity. You can feel the air as you walk through it, the rest of your senses are trying to get used to what you see, smell, and hear.

Nothing can prepare you for the next morning. Those who wake up early will venture out into the busiest of streets.

Motorcycles and more motorcycles. Food vendors, tourists, and excercise groups are drawn to Hoan Kiem Lake. However, you are here on a mission; you have a meeting at 9 am sharp.

Meetings and meet-ups, quick dinners, running arounds and last-minute fix-ups, the excitement builds as we prepare the final touches on modules and gather training materials. Tonight we board the train.

When you arrive in Lao Cai train station there is a flurry of activity before we find ourselves daydreaming on the bus up to Sapa. The highs and lows of Vietnam never cease. Extreme extremes challenge your body, challenge your patience, and inspire you.

And then there is Sapa. The energy is astounding. A hundred years worth of travel stories have been collected and interpreted between a multitude of cross-cultural interactions and histories.

Sapa is the main tourist centre. Sitting at the highest elevation of any populated area, the hotels, shops, restaurants, travel agencies, and government buildings are adorned in French influence. Below this busy hub of activity, and seen from easy-to-find vantage points, are the small hilltribe villages. They dot a terraced landscape that is worked on an annual basis. Subsistence farming is the means to which the Hmong, Dao and Day feed themselves.

These villages are also where tourists will go to take their pictures, do their trekking, stay in authentic cultural homestays, buy their handmade souvenirs, and hopefully learn something.

It is in two of these villages, Ta Phin and Lao Chai, where we will do the same, and then some.

Students from Capilano University get involved - the application process begins!

2010-11-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

Beginning the week of November 8, interested students from Capilano University will be putting together application packages expressing their interest in traveling to Viet Nam as part of the next two Canadian trips to work in Ta Phin and Lao Chai (estimated timeline is March and June of 2011 for these trips). After submitting their applications (due Tuesday, November 16), students will be participating in a competitive selection process including both a group assessment on November 19 and individual interviews the following week.A total of four students will be selected to participate (two students on each trip).

We are looking forward to gaining the involvement of several more students at a local level in British Columbia as well, to contribute to a variety of initiatives such as fundraising for the project, helping with lesson planning and preparation of classroom materials, and compiling information to promote the project to external audiences.

Stay tuned for profiles of the students who have been selected to participate!

A message to all interested students...

2010-09-30T22:15:00.001-07:00

To those students who are interested in gaining more information on the project, have questions, inquiries, concerns, or better yet, would like to start some discussion on this blog please feel free to comment here!

Those questions that could spark discussion will be copied as posts. Lets see if we can get some dialogue going, and make good use of this blog.

Information Session at Capilano University

2010-09-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

Today an information session was held at Capilano University. It was attended by Capilano Tourism faculty and a number of interested of interested students from Capilano's Tourism Diploma, Degree, and Outdoor Rec Programs.

A number of topics were covered including: Tourism in Vietnam and Sapa, Past Projects, and details of the current PATA funded Capilano Tourism Training Project. Students were also told that four positions will be offered for students to join the team on future trips to Vietnam. From the turn out, it would appear that there will be some excellent candidates to strengthen the team and the project

Chủ đề thảo luận 1 – phát triển điểm đến

2010-08-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Những “chủ đề thảo luận” này được viết ra để khởi đầu cho những cuộc thảo luận mang tính chất xây dựng về nhiều chủ đề. Những chủ đề đó được thiết kế để khuyến khích khách du lịch, tư nhân, chính phủ, sinh viên và bất cứ ai cống hiến cho blog này.

Việc đào tạo đang được làm trong bản Tả Phìn dựa theo những dữ liệu đã được thu thập về xác định nhu cầu nhu cầu cũng như nhiều cuộc thảo luận với người dân địa phương, khách du lịch, tư nhân và nhà nước. Việc đào tạo được thiết kế để giải quyết cả về nhu cầu của người dân địa phương, về vấn đề của những người bán hàng rong ( Đây đã là lý do khiến một số công ty du lịch dừng việc đưa khách du lịch tới Tả Phìn)

Phần lớn việc đào tạo đã tập trung vào khả năng kinh doanh với mục tiêu giúp cho một số người dân địa phương có thể tiến hành kinh doanh nhỏ ở trung tâm thị trấn. Kết quả có thể thấy được là sự phát triển của một số cửa hàng nhỏ , nhà hàng, quán cà phê, v.v.. dọc theo đường đi của du khách do người Dao đỏ sở hữu và điều hành. Nhiều cửa hàng của người Việt đã được thuê từ người Dao đỏ có thể bị thay thế và những cửa hàng mới có thể được xây dựng.

Câu hỏi: Khách du lịch hiểu như thế nào về phát triển của điểm đến? Khi nền kinh tế của bản thay đổi ở trung tâm, nó sẽ ảnh hưởng tới cuộc sống người dân địa phương như thế nào? Nếu như những người bán hàng rong được thay thế bằng những cửa hàng nhỏ phục vụ khách du lịch, tư nhân, bạn sẽ hỗ trợ như thế nào cho những dân tộc trong nỗ lực của Tả Phìn

A word of condolence

2010-08-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

In Taphin, there was a young boy named Ly Lao Su who filled our classes with a joy and an enthusiasm that inspired everyone. He attended almost every class smiling and giggling as he drew pictures, practiced English and participated in the village clean-ups. Tragically, he died on the third day of our trip. His joyful spirit will live on in our memories as we move forward.

Ly Lao Su (just right of centre) after participating in a workshop learning about
environmental stewardship in which many children in the community
spent time picking up litter around the village.

Training Trip 1 - Complete!

2010-08-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

A week and a half have passed since we (Chris, Kim, and Jen) have made our return to Canada. Overall, the first training trip was incredibly successful. A huge thanks goes to our training team leader Ngoc Anh, and her Hanoi Open University Student Assistant, Trang; cam on rat nhieu!

From learning how to hold a pen so that they could draw pictures, to coming up with personal goals to build new skills in tourism, to drafting a community plan for a new community house and market, the village learners impressed us with their keenness, enthusiasm, and growth.

Here are some of the details of what was accomplished:

A total of 15 training sessions were completed in Ta Phin and Lao Chai;
Cohorts ranged from Children (4 - 16), Young Entrepreneurs (16 - 35), Small Business Owners, Street Sellers, and Local Government;
Modules included: Environmental Stewardship; Tourists' Needs and Wants; Tourists and You; Introduction to Community Based Tourism; Marketing; Community Tourism Planning, and Homestay Development.

Hanoi Open University student Trang working with local business owners.

Learners have indicated a need to develop individual skills (tourism related) and have created plans to learn them in the next 4 months
Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners have developed rudimentary business plans to either start, improve or grow their businesses through marketing, networking, or small infrastructure developments. They have also agreed to complete their plans in the next 4 months.
Lao Chai community members have expressed an interest in developing new opportunities in tourism in their community through homestays.
Ta Phin local authority is enthusiastic about gaining knowledge in Community Tourism Planning and have agreed to create, support, and help build the capacity of a Community Tourism Planning Committee made up of tourism stakeholders in the village.
The first of a series of community planning sessions was held (attendees included: Ta Phin community members, local youth, local government, Sapa Trade and Tourism). A draft plan for a Ta Phin Community House / Tourism Market spearheaded by the Ta Phin community was a key outcome of that session.

Some of the children sitting in on a lesson in Entrepreneurship.

We are currently compiling and synthesizing all the information and data collected. Stay tuned for profiles of some Ta Phin residents and fun stories of our time in Vietnam and in Sapa. Once again, a very successful trip! We have all gained so much from the experience!

DISCUSSION TOPIC 1 - Destination Development

2010-08-12T23:13:00.001-07:00

These "Discussion Topics" have been written to begin healthy, productive discussion and debate on a variety of topics. There are designed to encourage tourists, private sector, government, students, anyone to contribute to this blog.

The training that is being done in the village of Taphin is in response to the data gathered in the needs assessment as well as numerous discussions with locals, tourists, private and public sector. It has been designed to address both the verbalized needs of the locals the problem of street-sellers (which has been the reason for some tour companies to stop bringing tourists to Taphin).

Much of the training has focused on entrepreneurship with the goal of seeing some locals starting their own small businesses in the Taphin's town centre. This could eventually see the development of a number of small shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. owned and run by the Red Dao along the tourists 'strip'. Many of the Vietnamese shops that have been rented from the Red Dao may be replaced and new shops may also be built.

The question: How will the tourist interpret the destination's development? As the economy of the village changes within the town centre, how will it impact local life? Will it? If the street-sellers are replaced with small tourist shops, private sector, how will you support the peoples of Taphin's efforts?

Day 3 - Training in Taphin and Lao Chai

2010-08-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

We are about to start the third day of training. Already we have trained the small business owners, young entrepreneurs, street-sellers, and local authority their first, and some their second, lessons. The classes have been filled with energy and enthusiasm.

With the small business owners we have had to adjust the training content to a higher level. The young entrepreneurs have expressed that they would like to start a variety of small tourism businesses ranging from coffee shops, souvenir shops, and even horse / buffalo-and buggy transportation services.

In the first class we had with the street-sellers, some participants dressed up like tourists while others acted as street-sellers in an attempt to give the women an idea how tourists feel when they are bombarded by the street-sellers.

Finally the local government participated in a training session where some community issues were fleshed out. They will be participating in another workshop on community based tourism later in the week.

Yesterday in Lao Chai, the Hmong community expressed that they want to start homestays for tourists. However, they voiced a variety of concerns during the meeting. Their concerns included the availability of resources, sustainability, financial risk, and capacity. Today, Chris and Ngoc Anh will be returning to Lao Chai to complete the first homestay lesson, while Kim, Jen and Trang continue working with the residents of Ta Phin.

Second Trip Begins - Sapa Arrival

2010-07-30T21:09:00.001-07:00

All the packing and planning; the three hot days in Hanoi finalizing the training materials and lesson plans; the night train, and the one hour drive up to Sapa, have added up to this: our arrival in Sapa!

Even though we were greeted by our Hmong friends in the rain, we are all happy and safe. Our morning included a short walk to a favorite breakfast spot followed by a trip to the market. In the lobby of the hotel we are pleased with our purchases of umbrellas and rubber boots.

We can see blue patches of sky trying to make their way through the clouds. The sun should be out soon!

New CBT team members

2010-07-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

Two new members have been added to the project team. From Capilano University's Tourism Faculty, Kim McLeod and Jen Reilly both have a wealth of experience in planning, resource management and tourism.

Kim's education began with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography (minor in Arachaeology) from Simon Fraser University. As her studies continued, her focus expanded to centre on sustainable tourism and she received a Master of Resource Management from Simon Fraser University. As a tourism consultant, Kim has played a key role in a number of projects in British Columbia including assessing best practices and developing new products for Aboriginal tourism, playing a fundamental role in crafting the Whistler Environmental Strategy, developing agritourism product for the Canadian Farm Business Management Council, and more. Kim is currently the convenor of the Bachelor of Tourism Management at Capilano University and teaches in the Faculty of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation. She is also the chair of the British Columbia Tourism Management Articulation Committee.

Jen has spent the last 15 years immersed in the tourism industry. Her experiences in the tourism industry include a combination of tourism research and planning, and work in the adventure tourism sector. After completing an Adventure Travel Guide Diploma and Bachelor of Tourism Management from Thompson Rivers University, Jen owned and operated a successful adventure tourism company in Squamish, BC. Jen then continued her education with a Master of Resource Management (Planning) from Simon Fraser University. Currently, Jen teaches in the Faculty of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation and Applied Business Technology at Capilano University, and also works as a consultant doing a variety of tourism research and planning.

Homestay Training in Lao Chai

2010-07-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

The primary trekking product in Sapa is a three hour trek, for the most part descending into Tavan. For many years this has been the route for tourists and Tavan has seen rapid development. But along the way, Lao Chai has merely become a place where many have lunch in Vietnamese owned restaurants set up along the trail, and take pictures of the quaint Black Hmong village communes.

There is yet to be a network of true Hmong homestays for the intrepid traveller who truly wants to be cultured. In recent years, the Capilano University / Hanoi Open University community-based tourism project funded by CIDA built capacity of some Red Dao residents in Taphin. The homestays, although not as busy as the ones in Tavan, have been an enormous success with the locals who have set them up, the tour operators, and the tourists.

Over the next two years, the Sapa Authority has asked if Capilano University would agree to bring some of that expertise and knowledge to the Hmong people in Lao Chai. With enthusiasm we have agreed, focusing only on homestay development. Members of the Lao Chai Hmong community have also expressed their enthusiasm.

First Trip Complete. Needs Assessment. Outcomes.

2010-07-21T00:28:00.000-07:00

Chris Bottrill (Dean, Faculty of Tourism, Capilano University) and Chris Carnovale (Capilano Tourism Graduate) completed the first of seven trips to Sapa early July. Along with Tran Nu Ngoc Anh (Vice Head of Tourism Lecturer) and student Bich, from Hanoi Open University, the team conducted a needs assessment and secured partnerships with the Sapa Authority, Sapa Sport Culture and Tourism, and the Taphin Community.

Among the activities on our first trip, meetings, discussions, interviews and workshops were held with:

Regional and local governments;
Local women / street-sellers;
Small local business owners;
School teachers;
Women's Union;
Local youth;
Sapa tour guides;
Sapa tour operators.

The key issues that arose in the meetings, discussions, interviews, workshops, and observations included:

Positive Results

Tourists' homestay experiences have been generally positive for tourists;
All stakeholder groups are aware of problems associated with aggressive street-sellers;
Street-sellers and community members see the benefit of setting up a type of stall/market for selling to tourists;
Community groups have expressed a willingness to learn;
Local community members have recommended topics for possible training areas;
Community has shown an increase in self-confidence;

Challenges

Street-sellers are hurting the tourist experience in Taphin village, especially on half-day trips from Sapa;
Street-sellers do not understand the negative impact they are having and how to change;
There are communication gaps between the tourism networks (government, community, private sector);
The community does not yet know how to get together to solve their tourism-related problems;
Individual people and stakeholder groups work separately from each other;
A lack of capacity (skills, knowledge, and resources) for business development exists in the community;
Village is looking increasingly dirty and locals do not know how to manage the environment;
Villagers are discontent about the current outdoor market (opened the weekend we arrived) for various reasons.

Training Plan

Training for local community members of Taphin in: business development, understanding the tourist, better selling skills, looking after the environment, and developing events;

Training for local government on community based tourism planning;

Planning for a Taphin community house that is a central place for community members and tourists, and designed by locals for locals.

Taphin Street-sellers Abound

2010-07-20T22:51:00.000-07:00

The small town of Taphin is still quiet and quaint at 9am. Local Red Dao women are sitting in small groups, sewing, and gossiping about their husbands. Dogs, chickens, even a lonely buffalo are making their way at a healthy pace that mimics the gentle breeze coming down from the hills. In the surrounding hills, above the terraced rice paddies are the small communes of about 25 families each, where all these women have come from. They are sitting at the entry to Taphin village waiting. Waiting for the tourists.

You can first hear, then see the tourist buses and jeeps making their way down the last hill before the village. Then it is a free-for-all of activity and chatter. The women jump out of their focus on their needle and thread, throw their bamboo baskets - doubling as small shops - on their backs and latch onto a potential buyer.

They are selling a variety of brocade items as souvenirs. Some extremely high-quality hand-bags and hats from authentically Red Dao, others bought wholesale from other local tribes or from factories.

This scene happens twice a day - in the morning, and again just after lunch. Some tourists don't mind local women accompanying them as they walk the one main road to the Taphin cave and back. Yet, there have been others who would rather not have the local sellers follow them through the village, and some have actually had an unpleasant experience.

Is it a logistical problem? Challenges with regards to equal benefits being shared with community members? Could it be an act of desperation? Does the key to the solution lay in the tour guides? Or, is that the locals do not understand that if this activity continues, the tour companies bringing the tourists will stop coming?

First Impressions. Return Trip to Sapa; Taphin

2010-07-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

Still as busy as ever, Sapa remains an attractive destination for international and, more so, Vietnam's domestic market. The colourful Sapa markets were packed with tourists and the usual local street sellers.

In Taphin village, a story of mixed opinions has evolved since the last time Capilano University was there (3 years ago). Slightly increasing were the numbers of overnight stays. Complementary to that was a sustainable increase in the number of homestays and guest houses.

However, according to the companies that were running day-trips to village, a plan to cut back the number of trips was in effect. The reason: the high number of street-sellers combined with visitor dissatisfaction as a result of 'impolite' locals and arguments between the street-sellers themselves and the tourists.

Capilano University / PATA partnership

2010-07-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

Building off of a successful five year Community Based Tourism Training Project funded by the Canadian International Development agency, Capilano University has partnered with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in an effort to further the tourism capacities in Taphin village.

The initial project - a CIDA funded capacity building project from 2002 - 2007 - delivered training in two villages within the Sapa region. In Tavan and Taphin, training in English, tourism product development, food safety, first aid, sanitation and maintenance, homestay development, and HIV / AIDS awareness were offered to community members. In addition, 50 ethnic tour guides and 20 Vietnamese guides working in the Sapa region were trained in tour guiding skills.

"training will be delivered in business development, entrepreneurship, understanding the tourist, better selling skills, environmental stewardship, community tourism planning"

For the next two years, student and faculty trainers from Capilano University and Hanoi Open University will continue what was started in the previous project, focusing on the village of Taphin. Training will be delivered in business development, understanding the tourist, better selling skills, and environmental stewardship. Attention will be placed on the local women and youth. Training in community tourism planning will also be delivered to local government.

Sapa

2010-07-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

A colourful mosaic of culture, ethnic markets, and inspiring landscapes, Sapa has attracted visitors for almost one hundred years. Located in the northern province of Lao Cai, the area was first developed as a mountain retreat for the French colonists.

"visitors are welcomed by an unavoidable friendliness."

Sapa has become a favorite destination on Vietnam’s tourist list. Beyond the tourist centre lies a network of ethnic villages, home to the Black H’mong, Red Dao, Day, and Tay. Connected by a web of trekking possibilities, visitors are welcomed by cooler temperatures and an unavoidable friendliness.

Tourism has played a contentious role in the growth of Sapa throughout its history. As in most tourist destinations, both negative and positive impacts are evident. As tourism continues to develop, safeguards and proper training will be crucial in the sustainability of both the ecology of Sapa and the integrity of its communities.